Windows 11 Search Box Gets User Control Over Web and Store Results

Microsoft is rolling out a native toggle that lets Windows 11 users exclude web and Microsoft Store results from the Search Box, returning local-only results by default. The change, available to Windows Insider members as of July 13, 2026, directly addresses sustained criticism that the search tool surfaced third-party content ahead of user files and apps. Previously, disabling web results required registry edits or workarounds. The redesign also reduces visual clutter and widens spacing between results to improve file and app distinction.