How to Disable the New AI-Powered Bing Search Box in Windows 11 Taskbar

Windows 11 introduced an AI-powered Bing search box directly on the taskbar, integrating web results and AI features into the Windows Search experience. While some users appreciate the added functionality, others prefer a cleaner taskbar without web-based search suggestions or AI integration. The search box may take up space, display dynamic highlights, or include Bing-related features that are not necessary for local searches.

If you prefer a minimal interface or want to disable Bing integration for privacy or performance reasons, Windows 11 provides built-in settings to remove or simplify the taskbar search box. You can hide the search box entirely, switch to an icon-only layout, or disable web search results through system configuration.

This guide explains how to disable the new AI-powered Bing search box in Windows 11 step by step.

How to Disable the New AI-Powered Bing Search Box in Windows 11 Taskbar

Follow the steps below depending on how much of the search feature you want to disable.

1. Remove the Search Box from the Taskbar

You can hide the search box directly from taskbar settings.

1. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar.
2. Select Taskbar settings.
3. Locate the Search option under Taskbar items.
4. Click the dropdown menu next to Search.
5. Choose Hidden to remove it completely.

This removes the AI-powered Bing search box from the taskbar while keeping search accessible through the Start menu.

2. Switch to Search Icon Instead of Search Box

If you prefer a smaller footprint but still want search access:

1. Right-click the taskbar.
2. Select Taskbar settings.
3. Find the Search option.
4. Choose Search icon only from the dropdown.

This reduces the taskbar space used by the search feature.

3. Disable Search Highlights (Bing Content)

Search highlights display Bing-powered content in the search panel.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click Privacy & security.
3. Select Search permissions.
4. Scroll down to More settings.
5. Turn off Show search highlights.

Disabling search highlights removes dynamic Bing content.

4. Disable Web Results via Group Policy (Windows 11 Pro)

If you want to completely disable web-based search results:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
3. Navigate to:
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search.
4. Double-click Do not allow web search.
5. Select Enabled.
6. Click Apply, then OK.
7. Restart your computer.

This disables Bing web results from Windows Search.

5. Disable Bing Search via Registry Editor (Windows 11 Home)

For Windows 11 Home users without Group Policy Editor:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.
3. Navigate to:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
4. Right-click in the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name it DisableSearchBoxSuggestions.
6. Double-click the value and set it to 1.
7. Click OK and restart your PC.

This prevents web-based suggestions in Windows Search.

6. Restart Windows Explorer

After making changes, refresh the taskbar.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Locate Windows Explorer.
3. Right-click it and select Restart.

Restarting Explorer applies the updated settings.

Conclusion

The AI-powered Bing search box in Windows 11 can be disabled or simplified depending on your preference. You can hide the taskbar search box, switch to an icon-only mode, disable search highlights, or completely remove web search integration using Group Policy or Registry Editor. These adjustments help create a cleaner taskbar and limit web-based content in Windows Search.