How to Disable Bing Search in the Windows 11 Start Menu

When you press the Windows key and begin typing to search for a local app or file, Windows 11 automatically queries the Bing search engine and displays web results alongside your local files. While Microsoft intends for this to be a helpful feature, many users find it frustrating. It clutters the search interface, occasionally displays irrelevant web links instead of the app you wanted to launch, and introduces a slight delay as your PC waits for an internet response.

Unfortunately, Microsoft does not provide a simple toggle switch in the Settings app to turn this off. To disable Bing web results and restrict the Start Menu to only searching your local computer, you must modify the Windows Registry.

Important Pre-Requisite: Create a System Restore Point

Modifying the Windows Registry involves some risk. If you delete or change the wrong key, you could cause system instability. Before proceeding, it is highly recommended to create a System Restore point so you can easily revert changes if something goes wrong.

1. Press the Windows key, type Create a restore point, and press Enter.
2. In the System Properties window, click the Create button at the bottom.
3. Type a description (e.g., “Before disabling Bing”) and click Create.

How to Disable Bing Search Using the Registry Editor

Follow these steps carefully to disable web search in the Start Menu:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialogue box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter. Click Yes if the User Account Control prompt appears.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path by pasting it into the address bar at the top and pressing Enter:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
4. Right-click on the Windows folder in the left pane, select New, and then choose Key.
5. Name this new key Explorer and press Enter. (If an “Explorer” key already exists, simply click on it).
6. Click on your newly created Explorer key so it is highlighted.
7. In the empty space in the right pane, right-click, select New, and then choose DWORD (32-bit) Value.
8. Name this new value DisableSearchBoxSuggestions and press Enter.
9. Double-click on DisableSearchBoxSuggestions.
10. In the “Value data” box, change the number from 0 to 1.
11. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.

Restart Windows Explorer to Apply Changes

To make the registry change take effect, you need to restart the Windows Explorer process (or simply reboot your computer).

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Ensure you are on the “Processes” tab.
3. Scroll down the list until you find Windows Explorer.
4. Right-click on Windows Explorer and select Restart.

Your taskbar will disappear for a brief moment and then return. Now, when you open the Start Menu and type a search query, it will be lightning-fast and only return local apps, files, and settings—completely free of Bing web results.