Windows 11 has integrated Bing search into various areas of the system, including the taskbar. While it can be convenient for some, many users find it distracting or unnecessary. If you want a cleaner taskbar without Bing, you can remove or disable it.
This guide will show you multiple ways to remove Bing from the Windows 11 taskbar, from built-in settings to advanced registry tweaks.
Why Remove Bing from Taskbar?
Some reasons to remove Bing from your taskbar include:
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You prefer manual searches or other search engines.
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To declutter the taskbar for a minimal look.
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Prevent accidental Bing searches while typing.
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Reduce potential data collection concerns.
Method 1: Disable Search Box on Taskbar
The simplest method is to hide the search box, which effectively removes Bing from your taskbar.
Steps:
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Right-click an empty area on the taskbar.
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Hover over Search.
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Click Hidden.
👉 The search box (with Bing integration) disappears, making your taskbar cleaner.
Method 2: Disable News and Interests Widget (Optional)
Windows 11 sometimes includes Bing results in the News & Interests widget. Disabling it can reduce Bing presence.
Steps:
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Right-click the taskbar.
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Select News and interests → Turn off.
This removes the widget, which often shows Bing-powered news snippets.
Method 3: Disable Bing in Windows Search via Registry Editor
If you want to fully remove Bing search results from Windows Search:
Steps (Advanced Users):
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Press Win + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to:
(Create the Explorer key if it doesn’t exist.)
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Right-click the right panel → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
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Name it:
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Set its value to 1.
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Restart your PC.
👉 This disables Bing suggestions in Windows Search.
Method 4: Use Group Policy Editor (For Pro/Enterprise Editions)
If you have Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise:
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Double-click Do not allow web search → Set to Enabled.
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Double-click Don’t search the web or display web results in Search → Set to Enabled.
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Restart your PC.
👉 Bing results in Windows Search will now be disabled.
Method 5: Remove Cortana (Optional)
Cortana also uses Bing for search. If you never use it:
Steps:
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Press Win + I → Apps → Apps & features.
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Search Cortana.
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Click Uninstall or Advanced Options → Disable.
This further reduces Bing integration in Windows 11.
Tips for a Cleaner Taskbar Without Bing
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Pin only essential apps to the taskbar.
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Use a custom search engine in your browser.
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Regularly review taskbar widgets to disable unnecessary features.
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Restart Windows Explorer after making changes to see effects immediately.
Pros and Cons of Removing Bing from Taskbar
✅ Pros
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Cleaner, minimal taskbar.
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No accidental Bing searches.
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Better focus on preferred search engines.
❌ Cons
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Some search shortcuts may no longer work.
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Disabling Bing search may remove quick web suggestions.
Conclusion
Removing Bing from the Windows 11 taskbar is easy and can make your desktop cleaner and more focused. You can:
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Hide the search box.
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Turn off News & Interests.
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Use Registry Editor or Group Policy for deeper removal.
Whether you want a minimal taskbar or simply don’t use Bing, these steps will help you regain control.
FAQs
1. Can I completely remove Bing from Windows 11?
Yes, using Registry or Group Policy tweaks, but some apps (like Cortana) may still use it.
2. Will hiding the search box remove Windows Search entirely?
No, it just hides the Bing-powered search interface from the taskbar.
3. Is it safe to edit the Registry to remove Bing?
Yes, as long as you follow instructions carefully and back up your Registry first.
4. Can I still search locally without Bing after disabling it?
Absolutely, local file and folder searches still work.
5. Does removing Bing affect my browser search?
No, your browser search engine is independent of Windows taskbar Bing integration.