Microsoft has issued an optional update for Windows 11 which enables users to prevent web-based Bing results and listings from the Microsoft Store appearing in the built-in search tool, as part of the KB5120998 update.
This feature, which Microsoft had already been obliged to introduce in Europe, is now being made available globally as well; it also enhances the way in which Search displays the source of each result and makes the Search home page simpler.
Moreover, according to tests, turning off web and Store results speedsw up searches. The update is optional and can be obtained via Windows Update.
Windows 11 KB5120998 Makes Bing and Store Search Results Optional
The built-in search function of Windows 11 has annoyed users since it shows web search results from Bing. The update introduces a setting which allows users to stop this behaviour and also enables them to choose whether or not search results should include listings from the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft was already obliged to implement these changes in Europe and is now extending the option of excluding web and Store results to the rest of the world.
This is a benefit for users since it provides them with more choice and control, and tests have shown that choosing to exclude Store and web results results in faster searches.
According to the KB5120998 release notes, the update includes several Search changes:
- The Search home feature has now been made simpler in order to decrease visual clutter and make it easier to get back to previous searches.
- Search provides a better indication of where a result comes from, such as whether it is from an app, a setting, a file, a web result, or a Store suggestion, so it is clearer what a result is before you click on it.
- Users can select whether or not web search results and Microsoft Store suggestions are displayed together with the local results by going to Settings, then to Privacy & Security, then to Search.
- Windows now automatically indexes the folders that are used most often so that the files appear in future search results, and this feature can be controlled at Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Search, then “Automatically find additional relevant locations.”
How to Disable Web and Store Results in Windows 11 Search
Once the update is installed, the controls are in the Settings app:
- Get the KB5120998 update by looking in Windows Update for optional updates.
- Go to Settings, select Privacy & Security, and then choose Search.
- Turn off the web and Microsoft Store suggestions so that only local results are displayed.
- Optionally adjust the “AutomaThe optional update
KB5120998 is now available via Windows Update by looking for optional updates. It is not specified when the change will be included in a mandatory cumulative update or whether the settings will be enabled by default.
Those users who wish to exclude web and Store results or who want the quicker searches that result from disabling them can install the optional update in order to get access to the new controls.with disabling them, can install the optional update to access the new controls.
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