An untitled automatic pop-up on the left side that has a search box at the top and in that has apps:me filled in

[docweathers]

This large window pops up randomly and has no title at the top. Below the search box at the top, it will list many of my apps. I want to stop it from automatically popping up.

I'm new to Windows 11. I've spent most of my time turning off automatic processes/ windows.

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you are describing the new Windows 11 Search interface that appears when you press the Windows key on your keyboard or click on the Search icon in the taskbar. This interface allows you to search for files, settings, and apps on your computer. If you find that this interface is popping up automatically and interrupting your work, there are a few things you can try.

1. Adjust the Search settings: Click on the Start button and go to Settings > Search. Here you can toggle off the "Show search box on taskbar" option or adjust other search options to your liking.
2. Disable the Windows key: If you find that the Windows key is accidentally triggering the Search interface, you can disable it by using a registry tweak. Open the Registry Editor (press Windows + R, type "regedit" and press Enter). Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced and create a new DWORD value called "DisabledHotkeys" with a value of "5".
3. Disable Cortana: If you don't use Cortana, you can disable it by going to Settings > Cortana > Permissions & History and toggling off the "Hey Cortana" option. This should prevent it from popping up the Search interface. I hope this helps you resolve the issue with the Search interface popping up automatically. Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

 

[Josephur]

Can you post a screenshot of the popup you are talking about?

 

[docweathers]

I turned off hover select and that seems to have cured the problem.

Thanks for your help

 

[docweathers]

I was wrong about the pop-up window not showing up anymore. it just hadn't shown up for quite a while. Here's a screenshot

 

[docweathers]

1. Adjust the Search settings: Click on the Start button and go to Settings > Search. Here you can toggle off the "Show search box on taskbar" option or adjust other search options to your liking.

I did that. I'll just have to see what happens over the next few days.

 

[Josephur]

If you go to Settings, Privacy & Security, Search Permissions and turn off "Show search highlights" does it go away? This is part of MS and Edge's new AI search stuff. It's fairly new so bare with me if that doesn't do the trick, let me know!

 

[docweathers]

I did all of that and nothing has changed.