Windows 11 Search Gets New Look, Lets Users Turn Off Bing

Can Users Really Disable Bing? The toggle

Microsoft is delivering a refreshed Windows 11 Search experience via the August 2026 optional update KB5120998. It applies to Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 builds and adds a toggle that lets users turn off Bing for regular PCs across the system. The update arrives as part of Microsoft's broader push to modernize Windows 11. It replaces the old search bar with a streamlined interface that surfaces web results, apps and settings in a single pane. Users can now choose to hide Bing entirely, letting the local index dominate. This shift aims to improve speed and give privacy‑focused users more control over their data.

Cleaner Layout and Faster Results Microsoft says the new design loads twice as fast as the previous version. The interface groups local files, web results and system settings together. A toggle in Settings lets users turn off Bing with a single click. Early testers report smoother navigation and fewer loading delays.

Can Users Really Disable Bing? The toggle disables Bing queries entirely, routing all searches through the device’s indexed content. Tests show a modest drop in web result relevance, but local files appear instantly. Microsoft assures that the option does not affect system updates. The change also reduces background network traffic, conserving bandwidth on metered connections.

Analysts expect the change to boost user satisfaction among privacy advocates. It may also pressure other search providers to offer similar opt‑out features. Overall, the rollout signals a continued effort to refine Windows 11’s core experiences. If adoption is high, Microsoft could integrate the toggle into the default settings of future Windows releases. The feature rollout begins next month, with a gradual expansion across all devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enable the Bing toggle? Open Settings, go to Privacy & security, select Search, and switch the Bing option off. The change takes effect immediately.

Will disabling Bing affect Windows updates? No. The toggle only influences search behavior. System updates continue as usual, and the feature is optional.

Does the new search work on all Windows 11 versions? Yes. The update targets Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, but Microsoft plans to roll it out to earlier builds later.