Removing Bing from the search bar in Windows 11 is a simple process that involves a few modifications in your computer’s settings. First, you’ll need to tweak the Windows Registry or make changes in Group Policy Editor to stop Bing from appearing in the search results. It’s important to follow these steps carefully, as editing system settings can affect your computer’s performance. However, with a little patience and attention to detail, you can easily enjoy a search experience tailored to your preferences.
How to Remove Bing from Search Bar in Windows 11
In this section, we’ll guide you through the steps to remove Bing from your Windows 11 search bar. These steps are straightforward and focus on editing system settings to ensure Bing doesn’t interfere with your search experience.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
First, press the Windows key + R, type “regedit”, and hit Enter.
This action launches the Registry Editor, a tool that allows you to view and change settings in the Windows Registry. Be cautious while making changes here, as incorrect modifications can lead to system issues.
Step 2: Navigate to the Correct Registry Path
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionSearch.
In this path, you’ll find the settings related to the search functionality of Windows. By altering these settings, you can control whether Bing appears in your search results.
Step 3: Modify BingSearchEnabled Value
Find “BingSearchEnabled”, double-click it, and set its value to 0.
This change disables Bing’s integration in the Windows search bar. If you don’t see this DWORD, you may need to create it manually by right-clicking in the right pane, selecting New, and then selecting DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 4: Adjust CortanaConsent Value
Locate the “CortanaConsent” entry, double-click it, and change the value to 0.
Adjusting this setting tells Windows that you don’t want Cortana, and by extension, Bing, involved in your search activities. Like the previous step, if this entry is absent, create it manually.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Reboot your computer to apply these changes.
Restarting your computer ensures that the adjustments take effect. Once your system comes back on, Bing should no longer appear in your search bar results.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your Windows 11 search bar should be free from Bing search results. This change allows you to use your preferred search engine without interference from Bing.
Tips for Removing Bing from Search Bar in Windows 11
- Always create a backup of your Registry before making changes in case you need to restore previous settings.
- Consider using third-party software to automate the process if you are uncomfortable editing the Registry manually.
- Make sure your Windows 11 is updated, as updates can sometimes revert changes made in the Registry.
- If you prefer using Group Policy Editor, changes can be made there as well, but it’s only available in Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise versions.
- Keep in mind that these changes affect only the search bar and do not remove Bing from Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert these changes if needed?
Yes, you can revert these changes by returning to the Registry Editor and setting the values of “BingSearchEnabled” and “CortanaConsent” back to 1.
Will this impact my search speed?
Disabling Bing from the search bar might actually speed up local search results, as your computer won’t try to fetch online results.
Does this remove Bing from my web browsers?
No, these steps only affect the Windows search bar. You’ll need to change your default search engine in web browsers separately.
Is it safe to edit the Registry?
While it’s safe if done correctly, it’s crucial to follow instructions carefully and back up your Registry to prevent any accidental changes that might harm your system.
Can I remove Bing from a Windows 11 Home edition?
Yes, you can follow the Registry method as Group Policy Editor is not available in the Home edition.
Summary
- Open Registry Editor.
- Navigate to Registry Path.
- Modify BingSearchEnabled Value.
- Adjust CortanaConsent Value.
- Restart Your Computer.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve successfully learned how to remove Bing from the search bar in Windows 11, you can enjoy a more streamlined and personalized search experience. Customizing your computer to suit your preferences can enhance productivity and make your digital interactions more enjoyable. While these steps focus on removing Bing from the search bar, remember that other areas, like web browsers, will still require separate adjustments if Bing continues to appear as a default search engine there.
For those who love a bit of tech-tinkering, diving into the Registry Editor may even spark interest in learning more about how your computer operates under the hood. If you’re intrigued, consider exploring other customization options in Windows 11. Whether it’s optimizing your system’s performance or personalizing its aesthetics, there’s always something new to discover.
Remember, technology should work for you, not the other way around. So take the reins, make your computer truly yours, and enjoy the smooth search experience you’ve now crafted. Happy tweaking!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.