How to Stop Windows 11 Search From Showing Web Results
Follow the Fix Step by Step
Use the written steps below if you want a quick copy-and-follow reference while you make the change.
Windows Search should help you find what is on your computer.
But in Windows 11, searching for something as simple as Calculator, Control Panel, or a Windows setting can also bring up Bing and web results. If you wanted to search the internet, you would probably open your browser.
Fortunately, you can disable those web results with a quick Registry Editor change.
What This Fix Does
This change disables web search suggestions from appearing in Windows Search.
You will still be able to search your PC for:
- Applications
- Files and documents
- Windows settings
- Installed Windows tools
- Local search results
The difference is that Windows will stop mixing unnecessary internet results into those searches.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
Press Windows Key + R.
Type regedit, then press Enter.
Windows may ask whether you want to allow Registry Editor to make changes to your device. Select Yes.
Step 2: Navigate to the Windows Policies Key
In Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows.
You can expand the folders in the left-hand panel until you reach the Windows key.
Step 3: Create the Explorer Key
Right-click the Windows key and select New -> Key.
Name the new key Explorer.
If an Explorer key already exists, you do not need to create another one. Simply select the existing key.
Step 4: Create DisableSearchBoxSuggestions
With the Explorer key selected, right-click an empty area in the right-hand pane.
Choose New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name the new value DisableSearchBoxSuggestions.
Make sure the name is entered exactly as shown.
Step 5: Set the Value to 1
Double-click DisableSearchBoxSuggestions.
Change the Value data from 0 to 1, then click OK.
When finished, your registry location should be HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer.
And the value should be DisableSearchBoxSuggestions = 1.
Step 6: Restart Windows
Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.
After Windows loads again, open the Start menu or Windows Search and try searching for something like Calculator.
Windows should now focus on the locally installed Calculator app instead of filling the search area with Bing and other web suggestions.
Want to Turn Web Results Back On?
The change is reversible.
Return to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer.
Then either change DisableSearchBoxSuggestions back to 0 or delete the DisableSearchBoxSuggestions value.
Restart Windows again for the change to take effect.
A Quick Note About Registry Editor
Registry Editor provides access to important Windows configuration settings. Editing the wrong values can cause problems with Windows, so only make the change described above.
If you want an extra layer of protection, you can create a Windows restore point or export the registry key before making changes.
Sources
- Microsoft Windows Search overview: https://support.microsoft.com/windows/search-for-anything-anywhere-0ba16997-b0ef-4fd8-b8b4-6b7e13a7f93d
- Registry Editor guidance from Microsoft Support: https://support.microsoft.com/windows/how-to-open-registry-editor-in-windows-5e4c61aa-03d1-4d87-9c83-2d73e2c48f8d
Key Takeaways
- Windows 11 Search can mix local results with Bing and other web suggestions by default.
- Creating the
DisableSearchBoxSuggestionsDWORD under the Explorer policy key turns those web results off. - You still keep local search for apps, files, settings, and installed Windows tools.
- The change is reversible by setting the value back to
0or deleting it, then restarting Windows.