How can I disable the Windows Search feature in Windows 7?

Windows 7 allows you to disable many core features, one of which is Windows Search. The option to disable Windows Search located in the Windows Features portion of the Control Panel.

Bring up Windows Features from the Control Panel

In order to disable Search in Windows 7, go to the Control Panel, click the Programs heading, and choose Turn Windows features on or off. “How to Enable or Disable Core Features in Windows 7” has more detailed instructions and screenshots regarding this procedure.

Disable Windows Search

Locate the Windows Search option in the list and remove the check mark from the box to its left, then click the “OK” button. If the box does not contain a check mark, then Windows Search has already been disabled.

Screenshot of disabling Windows Search in Windows 7

Disable Other Windows 7 Features

This article is part of a series on how to enable or disable core features of Windows 7. Take a look at the other articles in this series for instructions on disabling other core features of Windows 7.