If you’re looking to disable web search results in Windows 10 or Windows 11, you’re not alone. Many users prefer to keep their searches local, preventing Bing or online results from appearing every time they type into the Start Menu or Windows Search bar. Not only does this help de-clutter your search results, but it also boosts privacy and can improve system performance.
From an IT management and privacy standpoint, disabling Bing or web results in Windows search gives you greater control over your environment, reduces unnecessary network calls, and ensures that sensitive search queries stay local. Whether you’re streamlining a business environment or just cleaning up your personal PC, knowing how to disable Windows 10 and 11 web search integration is an essential skill. With a few simple steps, you can create a faster, more secure, and distraction-free desktop experience.
How to Disable Web Search Results in Windows 10/11
If you’ve noticed that typing into the Windows Search bar shows Bing or web results alongside local files and apps, you may want to disable it. This is a common tweak for users who prefer faster, more private searches without sending queries to Microsoft’s servers. Below are simple ways to turn off Bing search integration in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Option 1: Windows 10: Disable Bing Search Results
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
(Create the Explorer key if it doesn’t exist.)
Add a DWORD (32-bit) Value named:
DisableSearchBoxSuggestions → set value to 1
Restart Windows Explorer or reboot your computer.
Option 2: Windows command prompt (as admin):
Open command prompt as administrator
Type the following
In Windows 10:
reg-add “HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search” /v BingSearchEnabled /d 0 /t REG_DWORD /f
reg add “HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search” /v CortanaConsent -/d 0 /t REG_DWORD /f
In Windows 11:
reg add “HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer” /v DisableSearchBoxSuggestions /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
Option 3: Download and run this Power Shell Script.
Option 4: Download and run this Reg file.
Restart Windows Explorer or reboot your computer.
Why Disable Web Search Results?
Faster performance – local results load quicker without cloud queries.
Improved privacy – prevents search terms from being sent to Bing.
Streamlined search – no more clutter from unwanted web results.
By following these steps, you can fully disable Bing and web search results in Windows 10 and 11, making your PC searches more private and efficient.
There is a little symbol at the bottom of your screen that looks like a rectangle with a square on top of it. It sits next to the search window. If you click on this your screen will be put into a window and you will see two (more if you are already using this) miniature desktop screens on the bottom. One will be the cluttered one and the other a clean one. If you click on the clean one, then you will get a clean desktop that you can immediately start cluttering again. You can use this again to switch back to your original one. You will also see off to the right bottom a “+” button that will allow you to add more desktops as many as you desire.