How do you disable the search box from showing web results?

zachary bodnar 11 Reputation points
2022-03-22T21:05:30.477+00:00

I have enabled these 3 GPO but I am still able to search the web via the search box. I have tried to log out and back in and have restarted the computer but it is still not taking affect. This is a windows 10 machine and the GPO is being edited via local GPO editor. It is not part of a domain or any work group.
Thank you!
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Windows
Windows
A family of Microsoft operating systems that run across personal computers, tablets, laptops, phones, internet of things devices, self-contained mixed reality headsets, large collaboration screens, and other devices.
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  1. James Hathaway 35 Reputation points
    2023-06-29T07:47:05.9066667+00:00

    I agree - this is rediculous, I do NOT want to search the web when I use the Start -> Search. The Web results actually means that apps that are ALREADY INSTALLED on the PC do not show up in the search.
    How rediculous!
    Also - what If I don't want to Use BING? Highly illegal - blatent breach of Competition Law...
    And then theres the case of "resetting preferences when an Update is downloaded" - I'm fairly sure Apple recently got fined nearly $1 Billion for doing exactly the same thing.
    Come on Microsoft - sort this out - This funtion is:

    1. Crap.
    2. NOT what Users want.
      1. Users are not able to turn it off (editing the registry does NOT count as being able to turn it off)
        a) features like this MUST be "Opt-In" and NOT "Opt-Out"
    4. Highly Illegal breah of Anti-Competition Laws:
      a) You are NOT allowed to automaticllay select one web search engione over another
      b) You are NOT allowed to automatically "turn the feature back on" if the User has already taken steps to turn it off.

    I shall be reporting this issue to the ICO and Anti-Competition Authorities, if they are not already in the middle of a massive lawsuit with Microsoft over this issue.

    7 people found this answer helpful.
  2. Limitless Technology 39,396 Reputation points
    2022-03-29T15:00:10.623+00:00

    Hi @zachary bodnar

    Have you tried changing any registry key to disable the search box from showing web results?

    -Head to the following path:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

    -Now right-click on the Windows key and choose New > Key.
    -Next, give that key the name: Explorer and press Enter. Right-click the newly created Explorer key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
    -Name that key DisableSearchBoxSuggestions and hit Enter. Double-click the newly created DWORD and set the value from 0 to 1. Click OK and restart your PC. You have to restart the system for the changes to go into effect.

    If you want to change it back and add web results again, go back and change the DWORD value for DisableSearchBoxSuggestions to 0 or delete the keys you created originally.

    Hope this resolves your Query!!

    --
    --If the reply is helpful,please Upvote and Accept it as an answer–

    6 people found this answer helpful.
  3. Marvin K. Thomas 10 Reputation points
    2023-10-20T15:27:15.2133333+00:00

    Really, a registry setting? Why isn't this button in the general settings? Is there a feature request to make this a button, so I can lend my thumbs-up to the rallying cry?

    2 people found this answer helpful.