Searches in my windows search which are not from me

Question

Windows 11

I keep getting search history in my windows search (not browser) for onlyfans which is of course really problematic. I have not made these searches.... honest.

I have checked my linked devices and there are not any which shouldnt be there.

How is this happening?

Answer 1

Hi Ricky Handley,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum. I totally understand how concerning and uncomfortable it can be to see unexpected or inappropriate items appear in Windows Search, especially when you did not search for them yourself.

In Windows 11, the Search feature can display content from several sources beyond what you manually type, including cloud‑based suggestions and web search integrations.

Below are clear steps you can take to remove the existing items and prevent this from happening again:

Step 1: Clear the existing Windows Search history on your device

This removes any previously shown search entries from the local device.

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Privacy & security
3. Select Search
4. Scroll to the History section
5. Click Clear device search history

This only clears the display history; it does not affect your files or system data.

Step 2: Turn off cloud‑based search suggestions

This prevents Windows Search from showing web or account‑based suggestions that can appear as “recent searches.”

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Privacy & security
3. Select Search and find Search my account
4. Turn off:
   • Microsoft account
     • Work or school account (if shown)
     1. Restart your computer

After this, Windows Search will rely only on local content.

Step 3: Disable saving search history on the device

This ensures future searches are not stored or shown again.

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Privacy & security
3. Select Search
4. Under History, turn off Search history

This is helpful if you prefer maximum privacy.

After you’ve gone through these steps, please let me know if you notice any improvement and feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance. I'm here to help.

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Answer 2

It sounds like you may be experiencing issues with your Windows Search history displaying searches that you did not perform. This could be due to several reasons:

1. Shared Accounts: If you are using a shared Microsoft account or if someone else has access to your device, they might be performing searches that are being recorded in your history.
2. Linked Devices: Even though you mentioned checking your linked devices, ensure that no unauthorized devices are connected to your Microsoft account. Sometimes, devices that you may not recognize could be accessing your account.
3. Search Indexing: Windows Search uses indexing to provide faster results. If there are any issues with the indexing service, it might cause unexpected behavior in search results.
4. Privacy Settings: Check your privacy settings to ensure that your search history is not being shared or synced across devices. You can manage these settings in the Windows settings under Privacy.
5. Malware or Unauthorized Access: In some cases, malware or unauthorized access to your device could lead to unexpected search history. Running a full security scan with your antivirus software is advisable.

If the issue persists, consider resetting Windows Search or reviewing your privacy settings further to ensure that your account is secure.

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References:

• Fix problems in Windows Search