Windows 11 Disable Search: 5 Ways to Easily do it

Give a try to these quick methods now

5 min. read

Updated onMay 14, 2024

updated onMay 14, 2024

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It’s not uncommon for search indexing to be turned off via error or some features likeweb search not bringing results. Whenever you look for something on Windows 11, the OS will show you local results and search results from Bing.

Bing is an alright search engine, but most people use and prefer Google, so getting Bing results is not something many would even want.

How do I disable the search function on Windows 11?

1. Use the command prompt

2. Via the Services app

3. Disable the searching feature permanently

4. Disable Bing web results from appearing in Windows search

5. Optimize power efficiency by configuring Windows Search (laptop only)

Why would I need to disable Windows search?

Believe it or not, there are some benefits to disabling the search functionality on Windows 11 besides getting rid of pesky Bing results. These benefits include reclaiming computer resources and space on your hard drive and reducing the amount of power consumed and background tasks.

Plus, disabling functionality helps lower-end PCs that struggle with Windows 11. Thesystem requirements for Windows 11 are pretty high, and by reducing the workload your computer has to deal with makes the machine run smoother and faster.

It’s not recommended that you disable any search functionality.Properly using Windows Searchmakes it the most efficient search tool on Windows 11, one of the few native apps that outperformthird-party ones.

This guide will take you through how to disable the search functionality on Windows 11. It will also explain how to make Windows Search more power-efficient on laptops. Doing so will minimize indexing when your laptop is running low on power.

Are there any other search bar issues I should know about?

Rarely you will run into problems with the Windows 11 search bar, but sometimes you will run into that random glitch. If the search bar suddenly decides to start giving you problems one day, you should restart your computer and search for Windows updates.

If that doesn’t work, you may have to go andrun the indexing troubleshooterto find out what is wrong with the search bar. While in the file explorer, it may be good to learnhow to add tabson it while you search so you can keep track of where your files are.

It’s also good to knowhow to disable File Explorer search history. It’s a great way to keep your information private, especially on shared PCs. Having that search history readily available is annoying.

Feel free to comment below if you have any questions about other Windows 11 problems or bugs. And leave comments about guides that you’d like to see or information on Windows 11 features.

Windows 11 Disable Search: 5 Ways to Easily do it#

How do I disable the search function on Windows 11?#

1. Use the command prompt#

2. Via the Services app#

3. Disable the searching feature permanently#

4. Disable Bing web results from appearing in Windows search#

5. Optimize power efficiency by configuring Windows Search (laptop only)#

Why would I need to disable Windows search?#

Are there any other search bar issues I should know about?#