One of the greatest additional features within the latest preview build of Windows 11 is called search highlights, and it's essentially a way to make the search UI provide more useful information towards the user without any input on their side.

In other words, looking highlights are meant to make content discovery more straightforward by bringing information like holidays, top searches, and images throughout the net right to the search UI.

"The taskbar search box and check home will periodically update with content, including fun illustrations, that really help you discover more, be connected, and stay productive. Search highlights will present notable and fascinating moments of what's special about each day-like holidays, anniversaries, along with other educational moments in time both globally and in your region," Microsoft explains.

How you can disable looking highlights

For a lot of users, however, this feature only makes the search UI more cluttered, therefore it goes without saying that disabling it is something that makes sense for them.

The good news is that Microsoft is indeed providing users with options to switch off this new experience, and they're obviously located in the Settings app.

Just right-click the taskbar and go Search. Next, you should see a choice called Show search highlights, so change its settings based on your preferences.

Microsoft, however, hopes you wouldn't do that because the search experience overall isn't by any means impacted by the new highlights.

"Search is appropriate there on your taskbar-your window to find out what's trending online, on the planet, and in your business. Of course, you can still type to begin searching for your apps, files, settings, and quick answers on the internet," the company explains.

At this point, the feature is just available for Windows 10 and Windows 11 insiders, but it will probably launch for everyone sooner rather than later.