Whenever you search for something on your Windows 11 PC, you will also see previously opened or searched items. However, you may not want to see these search results in the future if you share your computer with someone and wish to restrict what shows up in the search results. This tutorial will address this and show you how to hide folders from search results on Windows 11 systems.

Hide Folders from Search Results

Windows 11 shows Documents, Pictures, Desktop folders, and Music by default. However, you can hide any folder you want and ensure that it doesn’t appear in the results. The process is very straightforward, so follow the steps below:

Step-1: Click on the Windows icon on the taskbar and select the Settings cog. (You can use shortcut keys Win + I to open the Settings app as well)

Step-2: Select Privacy & Security from the left pane when the Settings app opens.

Step-3: Scroll down and in the Windows Permissions section, select Searching Windows.

Step-4: In the Exclude folders from enhanced search section, click on the Add an excluded folder button next to These folders won’t be included when searching your PC.

Step-5: Click on the folder you wish to remove from the search results and click on Select Folder.

BONUS: The folders you add will be shown in the list. If you wish to unhide the folder again, click on the three vertical dots and select Remove. This will make the folder searchable again.