Disabling Web Search Results in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Key Notes

  • Customize your search experience by disabling web results.
  • Select the method that suits your Windows edition: Registry or Group Policy.
  • Reverting changes is easy in both methods outlined in this guide.

A Comprehensive Guide to Disabling Web Search Results in Windows 11

Disabling web search results can enhance your Windows 11 experience by prioritizing local files and settings over unwanted web suggestions.

How to Disable Web Search Results in Windows 11

Windows 11 users have the option to tailor their search functionality by turning off web results. Optional suggestions from Bing can often clutter search findings, so here’s how you can eliminate them:

Step 1: Disable Web Search Results via Registry Editor

Follow these detailed instructions to disable web search results using the Registry Editor:

  1. Launch Start on your Windows 11 device.

  2. Type regedit into the search bar and select the top result to open Registry Editor.

  3. Navigate to the following path:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

  4. Right-click on the Windows key, hover over New, and select Key.

  5. Name the new key Explorer and press Enter.

  6. Right-click the Explorer key, then select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

  7. Label this DWORD as DisableSearchBoxSuggestions and hit Enter.

  8. Double-click the new DWORD and set its value to 1 from 0.

  9. Click OK to save your changes.

  10. Restart your device for the changes to take effect.

Once completed, the Windows Search function will exclude web results, and the Bing AI button will be absent from your interface while local files, applications, and settings remain accessible.

Step 2: Turn Off Web Search Results Using Group Policy

For those operating Windows 11 Pro, here’s how to disable web search results through Group Policy:

  1. Access Start on your computer.

  2. Enter gpedit in the search box and select the Group Policy Editor from the results.

  3. Navigate to:

    User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer

  4. Double-click on the policy named “Turn off display of recent search entries in the File Explorer search box”.

  5. Select the Enabled option to activate the setting.

  6. Click Apply, then OK to confirm the changes.

  7. Lastly, restart your computer.

After following these steps, you will no longer receive web results from the Taskbar or Start menu, and the Bing AI button will also be removed.

Additional Tips

  • Always back up the Registry before making changes.
  • Use Group Policy Editor if your system supports it for an easier approach.
  • To undo changes, revisit the same setting and disable or delete the modifications made.

Summary

Disabling web search results in Windows 11 can significantly enhance your user experience by ensuring that search results prioritize local content, thereby eliminating distractions from web suggestions. This guide laid out two distinct methods: using the Registry Editor for Windows 11 Home users and the Group Policy Editor for Pro versions.

Conclusion

By following the steps in this guide, you can successfully customize your search experience on Windows 11. Whether you opt for the Registry Editor or Group Policy, feel free to revert your changes at any time. Enjoy a more efficient and distraction-free searching experience!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I restore web search results after disabling them?

Yes, you can restore web search results by either deleting the registry entry or changing the Group Policy setting back to “Not Configured”.

What if I don’t see the Group Policy Editor?

If you’re using Windows 11 Home, the Group Policy Editor is not available, but you can use the Registry Editor method instead.