Windows 11 is a sleek operating system, but not everyone is a fan of Bing search integration. Removing Bing from the Windows 11 search can streamline your experience. This guide will walk you through the steps, ensuring that Bing is no longer part of your search results.
How to Remove Bing Search from Windows 11
This section will show you how to disable Bing search integration in Windows 11. The steps include modifying the registry editor, which can be a bit intimidating, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type “regedit,” and press Enter.
The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that lets you make changes to the Windows system. Be careful when making changes here, as incorrect edits can cause problems with your computer.
Step 2: Navigate to the Search Key
In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindowsExplorer.
If the Explorer key doesn’t exist, you will need to create it. Right-click on the Windows key, choose New, then Key, and name it Explorer.
Step 3: Create a New DWORD Value
Right-click on the Explorer key, select New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DisableSearchBoxSuggestions.
This new entry will allow you to turn off Bing search. Naming it correctly is crucial for it to work.
Step 4: Modify the DWORD Value
Double-click on DisableSearchBoxSuggestions and set the value to 1, then click OK.
Setting this value to 1 tells Windows to disable Bing search results. If you ever want to re-enable it, you can set the value back to 0.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the changes.
Restarting your computer ensures that the changes take effect. Once your computer is back on, try using the search bar to see if Bing results are gone.
After completing these steps, your Windows 11 search will no longer include Bing results. Your local searches should be faster and more focused on your files and apps.
Tips for Removing Bing Search from Windows 11
- Always back up your registry before making changes. This gives you a safety net in case something goes wrong.
- If you’re not comfortable making these changes yourself, seek help from someone experienced with Windows.
- Regularly updating Windows can sometimes re-enable features you’ve disabled, so you might need to repeat these steps after an update.
- Disabling Bing search can speed up the search function because it only searches locally.
- Be sure to follow each step carefully to avoid unintentional changes to your system settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing Bing search affect my computer’s performance?
No, removing Bing search will not negatively impact your computer’s performance. In fact, it may speed up search results since it won’t pull data from the internet.
Can I reverse these changes if I want Bing search back?
Yes, you can reverse these changes. Go back to the Registry Editor, find the DisableSearchBoxSuggestions entry, and set the value to 0.
Is it safe to edit the registry?
Editing the registry is safe if you follow instructions carefully. However, incorrect changes can cause problems, so always back up the registry first.
Are there any alternative search engines I can use in Windows 11?
Yes, you can use third-party search tools like Everything or Listary, which offer powerful local search capabilities.
Why does Windows 11 include Bing in search results?
Microsoft integrates Bing to offer a unified search experience that combines local and web results. It’s part of their strategy to blend online and offline experiences.
Summary
- Press Windows key + R, type “regedit,” and press Enter.
- Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindowsExplorer.
- Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named DisableSearchBoxSuggestions.
- Set DisableSearchBoxSuggestions value to 1.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Removing Bing search from Windows 11 can make your search experience smoother and more focused on your local files and apps. While the process involves editing the registry, it’s straightforward if you follow the steps carefully. Remember, always back up your registry to prevent any mishaps.
For those who prefer a more streamlined and efficient search experience, disabling Bing can make a noticeable difference. However, if you ever miss having web search results directly in your Start menu, you can easily revert the changes.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other Windows 11 customization options to tailor your system further to your needs. Happy computing!
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.