Windows 11 is the latest operating system developed by Microsoft, offering various features and improvements over its predecessors. However, some users may prefer using a different search engine instead of Bing, which is the default search engine in Windows 11. If you’re looking for ways to remove Bing Search from Windows 11 and set your preferred search engine, this article will guide you through the process.
Why Remove Bing Search?
While Bing Search provides relevant results for many users, some individuals prefer using alternative search engines due to personal preferences or habits. By removing Bing Search and setting up another search engine as the default, users can streamline their browsing experience and have search results tailored to their needs.
Changing the Default Search Engine in Windows 11
To change the default search engine in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon (gear-shaped).
- Select “Apps” from the left-hand side menu in the Settings window.
- Click on “Default apps” in the Apps settings.
- Scroll down and click on “Web browser.”
- Choose your preferred web browser from the list of available options.
- Open the newly selected web browser and navigate to its settings.
- Look for the search engine settings and choose your preferred search engine.
Removing Bing Search from the Taskbar
- Windows 11 displays a search bar on the taskbar by default, which uses Bing Search. To remove Bing Search from the taskbar, follow these steps:
- Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar.
From the context menu, hover over “Search” and select “Hidden” to remove it from the taskbar.
Disabling Bing Web Results in Start Menu
Windows 11 integrates Bing Web Results into the Start menu, providing search suggestions and web results alongside local files and applications. If you want to disable Bing Web Results, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu by clicking on the Start icon or pressing the Windows key.
- Click on the Settings icon (gear-shaped) in the upper right corner of the Start menu.
- In the Settings window, select “Personalization” from the left-hand side menu.
- Click on “Start” in the Personalization settings.
- Toggle off the “Show web results” option to disable Bing Web Results.
Removing Bing Search from Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge, the default web browser in Windows 11, also utilizes Bing Search. To remove Bing Search from Microsoft Edge and set a different search engine, follow these steps:
Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click on the ellipsis (…) icon in the top-right corner of the browser window.
- From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.”
- In the Settings window, click on “Privacy, search, and services” from the left-hand side menu.
- Under the “Services” section, click on the “Address bar and search.”
- Click on “Search engine used in the address bar.”
- Choose your preferred search engine from the list.
Configuring the Search Engine in Other Browsers
If you use a web browser other than Microsoft Edge, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, you can also configure the search engine settings to remove Bing Search. The process may vary slightly depending on the browser you are using, but generally, you can follow these steps:
Open your preferred web browser.
Click on the browser menu (usually represented by three vertical dots or lines).
Select “Settings” or “Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
Look for the search engine settings.
Choose your preferred search engine from the available options.
Removing Bing Search from Cortana
Cortana, the virtual assistant in Windows 11, is tightly integrated with Bing Search. To remove Bing Search from Cortana and set a different search engine, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start menu or press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
- Type “Cortana” and open the Cortana app from the search results.
- In the Cortana app, click on the Settings icon (gear-shaped).
- Scroll down to find the “Search online and include web results” section.
- Click on the dropdown menu and select your preferred search engine.
Removing Bing Search from Windows Search
Windows Search allows you to search for files, documents, and apps on your computer. By default, it also includes web results from Bing Search. To remove Bing Search from Windows Search, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon (gear-shaped).
- In the Settings window, select “Search” from the left-hand side menu.
- Click on “Searching Windows” in the Search settings.
- Under the “Use search box” section, toggle off the “Search online and include web results” option.
Removing Bing Search from File Explorer
- File Explorer in Windows 11 includes a search box that integrates Bing Search by default. To remove Bing Search from File Explorer, follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E.
- Click on the search box in the upper-right corner of the File Explorer window.
- From the dropdown menu that appears, click on “Hidden” to remove Bing Search.
Reverting Changes and Restoring Bing Search
If you decide to revert the changes and restore Bing Search as the default search engine in Windows 11, you can follow similar steps as mentioned above and select Bing or choose the default options provided by Windows 11 during the setup process.
Alternative Search Engines for Windows 11
While Bing Search is the default search engine in Windows 11, there are several alternative search engines available that you can use. Some popular choices include:
- DuckDuckGo
- Yahoo
- Ecosia
- Qwant
Choose the search engine that aligns with your preferences and provides the search results you desire.
Optimizing Your Preferred Search Engine
Once you have set up your preferred search engine in Windows 11, you can optimize it further to enhance your search experience. Consider the following tips:
- Customize search settings to filter results based on your preferences.
- Explore advanced search operators to refine your searches.
- Install browser extensions or add-ons that enhance the functionality of your chosen search engine.
- Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts or other productivity features offered by the search engine.
Additional Tips for a Search Experience
To make the most of your search experience in Windows 11, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use specific keywords and phrases to narrow down your search results.
- Utilize filters or advanced search options provided by your preferred search engine.
- Bookmark useful websites or create shortcuts for quick access to frequently searched information.
- Regularly update your browser and search engine to benefit from the latest features and security enhancements.
Conclusion
Removing Bing Search from Windows 11 and setting up your preferred search engine is a straightforward process that can be done through various settings within the operating system and web browsers. By customizing your search experience, you can optimize your results and tailor them to your specific needs and preferences. Enjoy exploring the possibilities with your preferred search engine!