Tired of Bing taking over your search results in Windows 11? You’re not alone. By default, Windows 11 integrates Bing with the Start menu search bar and Microsoft Edge. For some, that’s fine—but many users prefer other search engines like Google, DuckDuckGo, or Yahoo.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to remove Bing from the search bar in Windows 11, disable its integration, and even replace it with your preferred search engine.
Why Does Windows 11 Use Bing by Default?
Microsoft wants to unify its ecosystem, and Bing is deeply integrated into Windows 11. The search bar doesn’t just find local files—it also pulls results from Bing using Microsoft Edge.
While it can be convenient, it also:
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Shows online search results you may not need
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Can feel intrusive for privacy-conscious users
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Forces you into using Edge and Bing
If that sounds familiar, let’s fix it.
Method 1: Disable Bing Search via Settings (Quick Method)
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Privacy & security → Search permissions.
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Under Cloud content search, toggle off:
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Microsoft account
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Work or school account
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This stops Windows 11 from fetching Bing results when you search.
Method 2: Turn Off Bing Search via Registry Editor
For a more permanent solution:
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Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows -
Right-click Windows → New → Key, name it
Explorer. -
Inside
Explorer, right-click → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value. -
Name it:
DisableSearchBoxSuggestions. -
Set the value to 1.
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Restart your PC.
After this, your search bar will only show local results.
Method 3: Change Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge
Even if you disable Bing in the search bar, Edge might still use it.
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Open Microsoft Edge.
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Go to Settings → Privacy, search, and services.
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Scroll down to Address bar and search.
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Choose your preferred search engine (Google, DuckDuckGo, etc.).
Method 4: Use a Third-Party Tool (EdgeDeflector or MSEdgeRedirect)
Microsoft tends to force Bing and Edge for certain searches. Tools like EdgeDeflector or MSEdgeRedirect help redirect them to your default browser and search engine.
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Download MSEdgeRedirect from a trusted source.
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Install and configure it to redirect searches to your chosen browser.
Method 5: Disable Web Results in Search Completely
If you don’t want any online results at all:
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Open Registry Editor (Windows + R →
regedit). -
Go to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search -
Right-click → New → DWORD (32-bit) → name it
BingSearchEnabled. -
Set its value to 0.
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Restart Windows.
This removes all Bing-powered web suggestions.
Does Removing Bing Affect Windows 11?
No, removing or disabling Bing search won’t break Windows 11. Local search (apps, files, settings) will still work perfectly.
Can You Add Bing Back Later?
Yes! Just reverse the settings or delete the registry values you created. Bing integration will return instantly.
Extra Tips for Better Search Experience
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Use Start Menu search for apps & files only.
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Install a browser extension to make Google your system-wide search.
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Try PowerToys Run (by Microsoft) for a lightweight, Bing-free search bar.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Editing the registry without backup: Always export before making changes.
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Disabling cloud content search unintentionally affecting OneDrive suggestions.
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Forgetting to restart your PC after changes.
The Bottom Line
Bing isn’t everyone’s favorite, and that’s okay. With a few quick tweaks, you can disable Bing search in Windows 11, redirect it to your preferred engine, or remove it entirely from your workflow.
Conclusion
Windows 11 makes Bing the default search engine, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it. Using the methods above, you can turn off Bing integration, switch to your preferred engine, or block web results completely—all without breaking your system.
FAQs
1. Can I completely uninstall Bing from Windows 11?
No, Bing is built into the system. You can only disable its integration.
2. Will this stop Bing in Microsoft Edge?
Only if you change Edge’s default search engine.
3. Is it safe to use registry edits for this?
Yes, if done carefully. Always create a restore point first.
4. Does disabling Bing make search faster?
Yes, in many cases—it removes web fetching and shows results faster.
5. Can I use Google search directly from the Start menu?
Not natively, but tools like MSEdgeRedirect can make it happen.