Windows 11 Search Highlights missing

On newer Windows 11 builds, Show search highlights may no longer appear as a consumer Settings toggle because Windows Search is being redesigned; do not add registry values merely to recreate the missing option.

Check which case applies

1. Open Settings → System → About.
2. Note Edition, Version, and OS build.
3. Right-click the taskbar → Taskbar settings → under Taskbar items, set Search to Search box if you want the full box.

Microsoft’s current taskbar instructions document only Search box, Search icon and label, Search icon only, and Hide. They do not document a separate Search Highlights switch in the current consumer interface.^1^

If you are running a newer or preview build where the Search interface has been replaced, this is expected to be version-dependent. Recent preview builds describe a new Search experience with inline actions, richer results, and separate control of Store results under Settings → Privacy & security → Search.^2^ There is no documented method to force the former daily-image interface back on those builds.

Keep Windows updated normally and use Feedback Hub → Desktop Environment → Search if the redesigned Search pane is blank or missing expected content. A matching case involving a missing toggle on a newer build recommends avoiding additional registry changes because a consumer Settings path for that build is not documented.^3^

If this is Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education

A device policy can disable Search Highlights independently of the consumer Settings UI. This policy does not apply to Windows Home.

1. Press Win+R, enter gpedit.msc, and select OK.
2. Go to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Search.
3. Open Allow search highlights.
4. Set it to Enabled or Not configured.
5. Restart Windows.

Microsoft documents that Disabled turns off highlights, while Enabled or Not configured permits them. The corresponding value is EnableDynamicContentInWSB, but Group Policy is the safer interface; avoid manually creating registry values.^4^

This only permits the feature—it does not guarantee that the former UI or daily image will return on a build where Microsoft has replaced that experience.

If the Search pane itself is blank or malfunctioning

If Search opens but the content area stays blank:

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
2. In Task Manager → Details, right-click SearchHost.exe.
3. Select End task.
4. Open Search again; Windows starts the process automatically.

If it remains blank, use Microsoft’s ResetWindowsSearchBox.ps1 procedure referenced in the matching Q&A resolution, then test from a new local Windows account. If it fails in both accounts, report it through Feedback Hub with the exact version and build.^5^

Search Highlights originally delivered daily events and images through a phased rollout, so availability has never been identical across every device and release.^6^

References

1. Customize the Taskbar in Windows | Microsoft Support
2. Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview Build 26340.9843
3. My search Highlights picture that i was getting daily disappeared and there is no option like "Search permissions" or "Show search highlights". - Microsoft Q&A
4. Policy CSP - Search
5. Search Highlights Toggle Missing & Search Window Web Canvas Stays Blank on Windows 11 Pro 26H2 (Build 26200.9550) - Microsoft Q&A
6. June 23, 2022—KB5014668 (OS Build 22000.778) Preview | Microsoft Support