How to Get Rid of Bing on Windows 11
Want to ditch Bing on your Windows 11 device? It’s not as tricky as it might seem. By tweaking some settings and making a few changes, you can get rid of Bing and set your preferred search engine or remove it altogether. Follow this quick guide, and you’ll be Bing-free in no time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Get Rid of Bing on Windows 11
In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to remove Bing from your Windows 11 device, including changing your default search engine and preventing Bing results from showing up in the Start Menu search bar.
Step 1: Change Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge
Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to the settings menu.
To do this, click on the three-dot menu located at the top-right corner of the browser window. Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu. This is where you can change various browser settings, including the search engine.
Step 2: Access Privacy, Search, and Services
Go to the "Privacy, Search, and Services" section within the settings.
You’ll find this option on the left-hand sidebar. Click on it to open a range of privacy-related settings. Here, you can tweak your privacy settings according to your preferences.
Step 3: Change Address Bar and Search
Scroll down to the "Services" section and click on "Address bar and search."
This option allows you to modify how the address bar behaves, including which search engine it uses. This setting is crucial for changing from Bing to another search engine.
Step 4: Select Your Preferred Search Engine
Click on "Manage search engines" and choose your preferred search engine.
You’ll see a list of available search engines. Select your favorite one and set it as the default. This change ensures that your searches no longer go through Bing.
Step 5: Disable Bing in Start Menu Search
Open the Registry Editor by typing "regedit" in the Run dialog box.
Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "regedit" and press Enter. This action will open the Registry Editor, where you can make deeper system changes.
Step 6: Navigate to Search Settings
In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindowsExplorer.
You may need to create the "Explorer" key if it doesn’t exist. To do this, right-click on the "Windows" key, select "New," then "Key," and name it "Explorer."
Step 7: Create a New DWORD
Right-click in the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name this new value "DisableSearchBoxSuggestions" and set its data to 1. This action will disable Bing integration in the Windows 11 Start Menu search.
Step 8: Restart Your Computer
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
After restarting, Bing should no longer be the default search engine, and it should be removed from the Start Menu search results.
Once you’ve completed these steps, Bing will no longer pop up as your search engine on Windows 11. Instead, you’ll have your preferred search engine or no search engine integrated into your Start Menu searches at all.
Tips to Get Rid of Bing on Windows 11
- Always back up your registry before making any changes to avoid accidental data loss.
- Consider using a different web browser if you continually encounter issues with Bing on Microsoft Edge.
- Use browser extensions to block Bing if you find it difficult to remove.
- Regularly update your settings to ensure Bing or other unwanted search engines do not make a comeback.
- Familiarize yourself with Windows 11 settings and privacy options to improve your overall user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove Bing from Microsoft Edge?
To remove Bing from Microsoft Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services > Address bar and search > Manage search engines. Set your preferred search engine as default.
Can I disable Bing search in the Windows 11 Start Menu?
Yes, you can disable Bing search in the Windows 11 Start Menu by editing the registry. Use the Registry Editor to create a DWORD named "DisableSearchBoxSuggestions" and set its value to 1.
Is it safe to edit the registry?
While it’s generally safe if you follow instructions carefully, it’s always a good idea to back up your registry before making any changes to prevent accidental data loss.
Will changing my default search engine affect my browsing experience?
Changing your default search engine will only affect searches made from the address bar and the integrated search features. It won’t impact your overall browsing experience.
Can I switch back to Bing if I change my mind?
Yes, you can easily switch back to Bing by following the same steps and setting Bing as your default search engine again.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to settings.
- Go to "Privacy, Search, and Services."
- Click on "Address bar and search."
- Select your preferred search engine.
- Open the Registry Editor by typing "regedit."
- Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindowsExplorer.
- Create a new DWORD named "DisableSearchBoxSuggestions."
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Getting rid of Bing on Windows 11 might seem like a daunting task, but with the right steps, it’s quite manageable. By following this guide, you’ll be able to set your preferred search engine and stop Bing from popping up in your searches. Remember, making these changes can significantly enhance your browsing experience by allowing you to use the tools and services you prefer.
Should you encounter any issues, always refer back to the steps mentioned, and don’t hesitate to seek additional help if needed. For those who love to customize their devices, knowing how to get rid of Bing on Windows 11 is a handy skill. Happy browsing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.