Microsoft is reportedly developing a new option for Windows 11 that would let users disable Bing-powered search results in Windows’ search feature, addressing one of the most common complaints among Windows users in recent years.
According to reports from Windows Insider testing, the company is experimenting with a dedicated setting that would transform Windows Search into a more focused local search tool. If implemented, users would be able to search exclusively for installed applications, files, settings and other content stored on their devices without receiving internet-based results from Bing or MSN.
The move signals a potential shift in Microsoft’s approach to Windows Search, which has increasingly integrated web content into everyday searches over the past several years.
Greater Control Over Search Results
In addition to removing web-based results, Microsoft is also said to be testing an option that would hide recommendations from the Microsoft Store.
Currently, Windows Search can display applications available for download from the Store even when they are not installed on the user’s computer. These suggestions often appear alongside local search results and include direct download prompts.
Under the proposed changes, users would gain the ability to disable these recommendations entirely, creating a cleaner and less cluttered search experience.
Long-Standing User Frustration
Since the introduction of web integration in Windows Search, many users have criticized the feature for complicating what should be a straightforward process.
While Microsoft designed the search experience to combine local content, settings, applications and online information in a single interface, critics argue that web suggestions often distract from the primary purpose of quickly locating files or launching programs.
Until now, users seeking to disable Bing-powered results have generally been required to modify the Windows Registry or use advanced Group Policy settings, a process many consider unnecessarily complicated.
Microsoft has previously stated its intention to improve the relevance of local search results, even for shorter search queries. The latest tests suggest the company may now be taking a more direct approach by giving users explicit control over what appears in Search.
Questions Remain Over Default Settings
While the addition of a dedicated toggle would be welcomed by many users, questions remain regarding how Microsoft plans to implement the feature.
Industry observers note that simply adding another optional setting may not fully address user concerns if web results remain enabled by default. Many argue that local search should be prioritised from the outset, rather than requiring users to navigate through settings menus to achieve a less intrusive experience.
A similar strategy is already being tested elsewhere in Windows 11. Microsoft has recently experimented with a redesigned Widgets panel that prioritises user-selected widgets over MSN news content, creating a cleaner and more personalised interface.
Some analysts believe Windows Search could benefit from a comparable approach.
European Users Have Already Seen Similar Changes
Elements of this functionality have already appeared in certain regions due to regulatory requirements.
In the European Union, digital market regulations have pushed Microsoft to provide greater flexibility regarding integrated services and search experiences. As a result, some users have reported seeing fewer web-based search results within Windows despite settings indicating that online content remains enabled.
Whether this behavior is the result of server-side adjustments, regional compliance measures, or ongoing Insider testing remains unclear.
For now, Microsoft has not officially announced when the new search options could arrive in a public Windows 11 release. However, the testing suggests the company is actively exploring ways to simplify Windows Search and provide users with greater control over how they interact with the operating system.
