What Changes in Windows 11 and Bing Search
Disabling Bing and AI results in Windows 11 means turning off cloud-powered web suggestions in the system search box and hiding Copilot AI answers in Bing, so your queries mainly show local files, apps, settings, and traditional web links instead of AI-generated content. Microsoft is adding a new Windows search setting that lets you disable online results without risky registry hacks, tackling complaints that web suggestions clutter local searches and slow down everyday tasks. At the same time, Bing now offers a way to turn off Copilot-style answers for people who prefer classic search pages. According to Microsoft executive Jordi Ribas, a new extension for Chrome and Edge “lets you toggle AI chat-like features on or off with one click,” giving users more control. Together, these tools help you reclaim a cleaner, more focused search experience.
Step 1: Disable Bing Web Results in Windows Search
To disable Bing in Windows 11 search, start by opening Settings from the Start menu or with Win + I. In the sidebar, select Privacy & Security, then look for the Windows search settings area. Microsoft is adding a toggle named “Show suggested search results” that controls whether Windows sends what you type to Bing. Turn this off to disable Bing web results in Windows 11 so searches only scan your device for apps, files, and settings. This change replaces older registry edits that many users found confusing and unsafe. Microsoft is also testing an option to hide Microsoft Store entries from search, which can further reduce visual clutter in the Start menu and Search panel. Once the toggle is off, try a few searches; you should see a cleaner list that focuses on what is actually stored on your PC.
Step 2: Turn Off Copilot AI Answers with the Bing Extension
If you like Bing but do not want Copilot answers, you can use Microsoft’s new browser extension. In Google Chrome, open the Chrome Web Store page for the Bing extension; in Microsoft Edge, open the Edge Add-ons page. Install the official extension that disables or hides AI responses in Bing results. Once installed, you will see a small Bing or AI icon near your address bar. Click it to toggle AI chat-like panels on or off whenever you search. According to Jordi Ribas, this preview extension is “an important step” to ensure users feel they have a choice in their search experience. With the toggle off, your Bing pages should show standard blue links and typical search features instead of prominent Copilot answer boxes at the top.
Step 3: Hide Bing AI Results Using the -ai Query Trick
You can also turn off Copilot Bing answers without installing anything by using a special search operator. When you type a query in Bing, add a space and the text “-ai” at the end, for example: “Windows search settings -ai”. Bing interprets this as an instruction to remove Bing AI results and show a more traditional page with standard links and modules. Microsoft has confirmed that this works in place of the extension for people who prefer minimal setup. Try running the same query with and without “-ai” and you will see the difference in how prominently Copilot appears. This method is handy on shared computers or locked-down work machines where you cannot install browser add-ons but still want an AI-free search session when you need it.
Why This Matters and How to Fine‑Tune Your Setup
These controls arrive as Microsoft faces growing scrutiny over how tightly Windows 11 and Bing link search, the browser, and AI features. While regulators and browser makers challenge default settings, these new options give individuals more granular control without switching search engines. Turn off “Show suggested search results” to keep Windows search local and faster, and decide case by case whether you want Copilot responses via the Bing extension or the “-ai” operator. Microsoft is also improving search performance, promising quicker queries and faster File Explorer startup, which pairs well with a cleaner results page. Review your Windows search settings periodically, especially after major updates, to confirm the Bing web toggle and any Microsoft Store filtering options still match your preferences for a streamlined, low-distraction search experience.
