Microsoft is actively testing new controls for Windows 11 Search that allow users to completely remove Bing web results and Microsoft Store app suggestions from their search experience. These toggles, which have been available to users in the European Economic Area (EEA) due to Digital Markets Act compliance, are now appearing in builds intended for a global audience.
The changes were spotted in Windows 11 Insider Experimental build 26300.8697, part of the upcoming version 26H2 update cycle. Currently, these settings are hidden from the standard Settings menu and require specific feature flags to enable.
What this means for you
If you have ever searched for a file on your PC only to be bombarded with sponsored links or unrelated web results, this change is significant. It restores the ability to keep Search strictly local—showing only files, apps, and settings stored on your device—without needing third-party tools or registry hacks. While not yet available to general users, its presence in a global Insider build suggests Microsoft is moving toward offering this choice worldwide.
1. Disabling Bing Web Results
The first toggle addresses the long-standing complaint that Windows Search prioritizes web content over local files. In the new configuration, a “Web Searches” option appears under the “Show suggested search results” section within Settings > Privacy and security > Search.
When disabled, this toggle stops Bing from injecting web suggestions into your Start menu or taskbar search bar. This means typing a query will no longer trigger internet searches unless you explicitly choose to do so, keeping the interface cleaner and faster for local tasks.
2. Hiding Microsoft Store Apps
The second toggle targets Microsoft Store content. A separate switch labeled “Microsoft Store” allows users to prevent store apps from appearing in Search results entirely.
This is particularly useful for users who prefer to manage their software through other means or find the mix of local executables and UWP store apps confusing. By turning this off, Search results will be limited to traditional desktop applications and system settings, providing a more consistent experience for power users.
How to test these toggles now
Because these features are currently hidden in build 26300.8697, you cannot enable them through the standard UI. Community testers, including @PhantomOfEarth, have identified that they require ViveTool to activate.
To try this yourself on a test device:
- Download ViveTool from its official GitHub repository.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator and navigate to the ViveTool folder.
- Use the specific feature IDs documented by community testers to enable the hidden settings.
- Restart your PC to apply the changes.
Note: Using ViveTool to enable experimental features is unsupported by Microsoft and can cause system instability. Only attempt this on non-production machines.
Broader Privacy Settings Changes
Beyond Search, build 26300.8697 also introduces a reorganized Privacy and Security page. Microsoft has grouped settings into clearer categories and added a new header for quick access to Windows Security status, including camera and microphone permissions.
New entry points for Passkeys and Custom Dictionary are also included. While the Search toggles remain hidden in this specific build, the restructuring suggests Microsoft is prioritizing user control over data and search behavior in version 26H2.
Microsoft has not confirmed if these toggles will be enabled by default in the final release of Windows 11 26H2. However, their inclusion in global Insider builds indicates a shift toward giving all users, not just those in the EEA, more control over their search experience.
Source: gHacks
Over to you: Do you find Bing web results in Search helpful, or do you prefer keeping it strictly local?
