How to Disable Bing Search in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever searched for something using the Windows 11 search bar, you’ve probably noticed results coming not only from your PC but also from the web via Bing. While this integration can be useful for quick searches, many users find it distracting, unnecessary, or even a little intrusive. The good news? You can disable Bing search in Windows 11 and make the Start menu search focus only on local files, apps, and settings.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through different ways to turn off Bing search step by step—whether you’re a casual user or a power user comfortable editing system settings.

Table of Contents

Why Disable Bing Search in Windows 11?

Here are some reasons why users choose to turn it off:

Faster search results – Only local files and apps appear.
Better privacy – Prevents sending search queries to Microsoft servers.
Less clutter – Removes unnecessary web results.
More control – Keeps your Start menu focused on what matters.

Think of it as decluttering your toolbox—you only keep what you actually use.

Method 1: Disable Bing Search via Registry Editor

⚠️ Note: This method involves editing the Windows Registry. Be careful and back up your registry before making changes.

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

Press Win + R to open Run.
Type regedit and press Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to the Search Settings

Go to the following location:

If the Explorer key doesn’t exist, right-click Windows, select New > Key, and name it Explorer.

Step 3: Create the DisableBingSearch Value

In the Explorer folder, right-click in the right pane.
Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name it: DisableSearchBoxSuggestions.
Double-click it and set the value to 1.

Step 4: Restart Your PC

Once you reboot, Bing search will be disabled.

Method 2: Use Group Policy Editor (Windows 11 Pro & Enterprise)

If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or higher, you can use Group Policy instead of editing the registry.

Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor

Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to Search Settings

Go to:

Step 3: Disable Web Search

Find the policy “Do not allow web search.”
Double-click it and set it to Enabled.

Step 4: Disable Cortana Web Search

Find “Don’t search the web or display web results in Search.”
Set it to Enabled.

Restart your PC, and Bing results will no longer appear.

Method 3: Disable Bing Search Using Third-Party Tools

If you’re not comfortable editing registry or group policy, tools like O&O ShutUp10++ can help.

Download and install the tool.
Look for Cortana & Web Search options.
Toggle off Bing integration with one click.

This method is beginner-friendly and easily reversible.

Method 4: Temporarily Block Bing with Firewall or Hosts File

If you want a quick fix without system tweaks:

Firewall Method: Block outgoing connections for SearchApp.exe.
Hosts File Method: Redirect Bing domains to 127.0.0.1 in the hosts file.

⚠️ These are temporary and more technical—best for advanced users.

How to Re-Enable Bing Search in Windows 11

If you ever change your mind:

Go back to the Registry Editor or Group Policy settings.
Delete or reset the changes you made.
Restart your PC.

Bing search will return to normal.

Benefits of Disabling Bing Search

Speeds up the Start menu search.
Improves focus by showing only local content.
Reduces unnecessary internet usage.
Enhances privacy by keeping searches offline.

It’s like cleaning your desk—everything feels faster and more organized.

Conclusion

Disabling Bing search in Windows 11 gives you a cleaner, faster, and more private search experience. Whether you use the Registry Editor, Group Policy, or a third-party tool, you can customize Windows to work exactly the way you want.

At the end of the day, it’s your PC—you should have control over how search works.

FAQs

Q1: Can I disable Bing search without editing the registry?
Yes, you can use Group Policy Editor (Pro editions) or third-party tools like O&O ShutUp10++.

Q2: Will disabling Bing search affect my Microsoft Edge browser?
No, it only disables Bing results in the Windows search bar. Edge will still work normally.

Q3: Can I turn Bing search back on later?
Absolutely. Just undo the registry or policy changes and restart your PC.

Q4: Does disabling Bing search improve performance?
Yes, searches load faster since Windows doesn’t need to fetch web results.

Q5: Is it safe to disable Bing search?
Yes, it’s completely safe. You’re only disabling online results in Start menu search.