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Windows 11 Disable web search results from start menu

MD 96 Reputation points
2022-03-29T16:08:21.78+00:00

How can I disable web search recommendations from the start menu search bar? There is no need for web search results there. That search should return local files and applications. This appears to be nothing more than Microsoft trying to force traffic to Bing at the expense of user functionality within the OS.

Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
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  1. Gorman 26 Reputation points
    2022-08-31T01:46:11.437+00:00

    Hi,

    I landed here with the same concern as the original poster.
    I'm not a fan of registry change so I tried another article made for Windows 11 and that include the relevant group policy setting:
    https://www.groovypost.com/howto/disable-web-search-results-on-windows-11/

    While this work, could the name of the setting be changed to something meaningful instead of "Turn off display of recent search entries in the File Explorer search box"?
    How's turning off web search from the start menu is related to this?

    Better yet, put it as an option in settings -> personification -> start

    Thank you.

    5 people found this answer helpful.
  2. Jim De 15 Reputation points
    2023-07-22T13:24:54.82+00:00

    No answer from Microsoft. Afraid of losing ad revenue I assume, while completely abusing our time and systems.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Chris Bennett 5 Reputation points
    2023-10-15T18:17:49+00:00

    Another method, particularly if you don't have access to the group policy editor, is to manually add the correct registry setting.

    The details can be found in this article:

    https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/disable-windows-web-search

    To summarize the article, first add a new Key called "Explorer" under HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Policies/Microsoft/Wndows, and then add a new 32 bit REG-DWORD called "DisableSearchBoxSuggestions" with a value of 1 under the new "Explorer" key. Logout and back in for the change to take effect.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Maksym Kozlov 5 Reputation points
    2023-12-26T14:27:34.14+00:00

    It is still a problem to this day. Maybe after the EU forced them to respect the users they'd give us a direct way to disable web search results?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
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