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Do not index
Do not index
If you're looking to speed up your Windows experience and reduce unnecessary distractions, disabling web search results in the Start Menu is a quick win. Not only does it streamline the search process, but it also improves privacy and cuts down on resource usage. Here's how you can do it, whether you're using Windows 10 or 11.
Method 1: Using Group Policy Editor (Pro and Enterprise Versions)
If you're on a Pro or Enterprise version of Windows, you can use the Group Policy Editor to disable web searches easily:
- Open Group Policy Editor:
Press
Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.- Find the Search Policies:
Navigate to
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search.- Turn Off Web Search Results:
- Double-click "Don't search the web or display web results in Search".
- Select "Enabled" and hit OK.
- Disable Internet Usage for Cortana:
- Double-click "Don't search the web or display web results in Search over metered connections".
- Select "Enabled" and hit OK.
- Apply the Changes:
Restart your computer or run
gpupdate /force in Command Prompt to make the changes effective.Method 2: Using the Registry Editor (For Home Users)
For those on the Home edition of Windows, you'll need to tweak the registry. Here's how:
- Open the Registry Editor:
Press
Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.- Navigate to the Right Key:
Head to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer.(If the
Explorer key doesn’t exist, right-click Windows, select New > Key, and name it Explorer.)- Create a New Value:
- Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it
DisableSearchBoxSuggestions. - Double-click this new entry, set its value to
1, and click OK.
- Restart to Apply Changes:
Restart your computer to finalize the settings.
Why Disable Web Search?
Disabling web search results not only improves system performance by reducing background processes but also keeps your search experience local, enhancing privacy. Plus, it makes the Start Menu less cluttered and faster to use.
Give it a try—your Windows PC will thank you!
Written by
A decade of experience in system administration, vulnerability management, and digital security.