Windows 10: Unusual search results in search bar

Hi all,Starting last month in June I noticed random search results in my windows search bar that I had never typed.These included but were not limited to: 'q' 'toyota ist' 'credentials' 'logitech' 'Z'X'Z'X'Z'X' and so on. I have encountered this again as of the 17th of July 2024 and on both occasions I have checked my virus protection settings and ran a full scan along with an offline scan. Neither of which warned me of anything unusual. No unusual performance drops have occurred either.Lastly I made sure to check my downloads folder along with a few other folders and checked for unusual servi

:)

 

Turn Off Web Search Results When Searching My Computer

Hi,

If you are pertaining to the Cortana search web results, you can disable it and improve local search results. Follow the steps below to disable web results:

• Click the search bar.
• Select the Notebook icon on the left pane of the search bar.
• From the options, select Settings. (Note: On the later versions of Windows, the Settings button might be outside the Notebook icon.)
• On the Settings, toggle the Cortana gives me suggestions, ideas, reminders, alerts and more option to
  Off.
• On the lower part, turn off the Search online and included web results option as well.
  

See the image as reference to the above steps:





After doing the steps, try using search again and see if the web results will now disappear.

Should you need further assistance, feel free to post your query anytime.

 

Search Results

Hi,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community, we appreciate your interest in Windows 10.

Please do let us know where exactly are you searching for the photos.

Are you searching on Windows search bar from desktop or Windows Explorer or Photo app?

If you are searching on Photo app try the below,

Step 1: I suggest you to run the
Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.

Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter,
troubleshoots problems that may prevent Windows Store Apps from working correctly.

Follow the below steps:

• Type troubleshooting in the search bar on the Taskbar.
• Select Troubleshooting.
• Select View all on the top left corner.
• Click on Windows Store Apps.
• Select “Advance” and click on “Run as Administrator”.
• Click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

If you are searching on Windows Explorer or Search box try the below,

Step 2: Run Search and Indexing Troubleshooter.


If you're having problems locating specific files, folders, or other items on your computer, try using the Search and Indexing troubleshooter to fix the problem. It makes sure that the Windows Search service is running, and checks
to see whether you have the correct permissions to search all the directories on your computer.

Follow the steps given below to run Search and Indexing Troubleshooter.

• Type Troubleshooting in the
  Search box from the desktop.
• Select the Troubleshooting option.
• Select View All option and select the
  Search and Indexing.
• Click on Next to perform the
  Search and Indexing troubleshooter and follow the steps.

Hope it helps. Kindly update the status of this issue, we will be happy to assist you further.

 

Setting for Cortana, Device Search History, and Search Online & Include Web Results

Hello Simmons,

A quick question before proceed:

Are you referring to hide search bar option?

If yes, I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps:

• 
  Right click on the search bar.
  
• 
  Select search option.
  
• 
  Now click on the hidden option.
  

Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we would be happy to help.