Microsoft is testing an option that allows Windows 11 users to disable Bing integration in Search. The change could improve performance, reduce unwanted web results, and provide a cleaner search experience focused on local files and applications.
Windows Search uses an index-driven algorithm to surface results. When Bing is active, every query has to be filtered across both local files and web results simultaneously. That dual processing is why searching for an installed app like Maps can sometimes return a Bing web result for ‘Maps’ instead of launching the app directly.
Microsoft is adding a toggle to disable Bing in Windows 11 Search, the company confirmed on 18 June 2026. Marcus, Design Director at Microsoft, confirmed on X that Windows Search is "getting faster and more reliable" and will let users opt out of web results entirely. The feature is in testing and has no firm release date yet.
It is worth comparing this to what users had to do before. Previously, removing Bing from Windows Search required editing the Registry, using third-party scripts, or installing Windows 11 LTSC. The 2026 Windows 11 update is addressing several of these long-standing complaints in one go.
Microsoft has not confirmed whether the toggle affects the taskbar search box specifically or only the Start menu search panel. The two can behave differently, and it's unclear if disabling web results in Settings kills Bing in both locations.
According to Microsoft, turning off Bing in Windows Search does more than just hide web results. The change decouples Microsoft Rewards from the search panel and removes Copilot ads that currently appear when you search for local files. The Search homepage will also stop pulling in content from MSN and other linked Microsoft services.
Microsoft has confirmed the setting will not require Registry edits, Group Policy configuration, or switching to a specialized Windows build.
Open Settings
Go to Privacy & Security
Select Search
Toggle off Web results
Windows Search will immediately switch to local-only mode, removing Bing results, the Microsoft Rewards icon, Copilot ads, and MSN content from the interface. Microsoft told Windows Latest that Bing will remain on by default, you have to opt out manually.
Also Read: Microsoft Plans Overhaul After Windows 11 GPU Downgrade Complaints
Users will experience a clean interface showing only local files, apps, and recent searches closer to the experience on Windows 11 LTSC, where web search can be disabled entirely. Third-party tools like PowerToys have offered this kind of fast, local-only search for years using the same Windows Search Indexer that powers the native panel. Microsoft is now catching up to its own ecosystem.
The KB5089573 update already made meaningful improvements to Windows 11 responsiveness. Removing forced Bing integration from Search should improve the experience further for everyday tasks such as launching files and apps.
UAE users are expected to receive the update alongside the global rollout once a release date is confirmed.