By default, Windows 11 Start Menu search shows Bing web results alongside local apps, files, and settings. While this can be useful for some users, many find it distracting, slower, or unnecessary—especially if you only want local search results from your PC.
The good news is that you can disable Bing web results in the Start Menu search and keep searches focused on your local system.
Stop Windows 11 Start Menu from Showing Bing Web Results
The fixes below focus on disabling web-based search integration using supported and advanced methods. We recommend following them in order, starting with the simplest and safest option.
1. Disable Bing Web Results Using Registry Editor (Most Effective)
This is the most reliable way to stop Bing results from appearing in Start Menu search.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows - Right-click Windows, select New > Key, and name it Explorer.
- Select the Explorer key.
- Right-click in the right pane and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it DisableSearchBoxSuggestions.
- Double-click it and set the value to 1.
- Click OK and restart your PC.
After reboot, Start Menu search will no longer show Bing web results.
2. Sign Out of Microsoft Account in Windows Search (Partial Effect)
Windows search uses your Microsoft account to personalize web results.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Privacy & security.
- Select Search permissions.
- Turn off Cloud content search.
- Disable search across Microsoft account content if enabled.
This reduces online results, though Registry changes are still recommended for full removal.
3. Turn Off Search Highlights
Search highlights can reintroduce web-based content into Start Menu search.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Privacy & security > Search permissions.
- Scroll down to More settings.
- Turn off Show search highlights.
This removes trending searches, news, and Bing-powered suggestions.
4. Disable Bing Search via Group Policy (Windows 11 Pro & Enterprise)
If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, Group Policy offers a cleaner system-level approach.
- Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search - Double-click Do not allow web search.
- Set it to Enabled.
- Click Apply, then OK.
- Restart your PC.
This prevents Start Menu search from querying Bing entirely.
5. Restart Windows Search Service
After making changes, restarting the Search service ensures settings apply correctly.
- Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - Locate Windows Search.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
This refreshes Start Menu search behavior immediately.
6. Keep Changes After Windows Updates
Major updates from Microsoft may re-enable Bing integration.
- After large Windows updates, recheck Registry or Group Policy settings.
- Reapply changes if Bing results return.
- Restart your PC after confirming settings.
This ensures your Start Menu stays local-only long term.
Wrapping Up
If you prefer a clean, fast Start Menu search, disabling Bing web results in Windows 11 is absolutely worth it. By using Registry Editor or Group Policy, you can keep searches focused on apps, files, and settings stored on your PC—without online noise.
Once disabled, Start Menu search feels quicker, more predictable, and far less cluttered. And if you ever want Bing results back, simply revert the changes and restart Windows.
