How to Disable Web Search in Windows 11 Start Menu

Use Registry Editor

To disable web search in the Windows 11 Start Menu, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the following key:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

Step 2: Right-click on the Windows folder and select New > Key.

Step 3: Name the new key Explorer, then right-click on it and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Step 4: Name the new value DisableSearchBoxSuggestions and set its value data to 1.

Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

After restarting your device, the Start Menu will no longer display web searches. If you need to re-enable it, follow the same steps and set the value data to 0.

Use Group Policy Editor

If you use Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can also disable web search in the Start Menu using the Group Policy Editor. Follow these steps.Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

Step 3: In the left panel, navigate to the following:

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.

Step 4: Double-click on the Turn off display of recent search entries in the File Explorer search box policy.

Step 5: Select Enabled and click Apply > OK to save the changes.

Close the Local Group Policy Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.