How to Turn Off Bing in the Windows 10 Start Menu
Eliminate web searches cluttering your Windows 10 Start menu effortlessly Discover our simple solution to disable Bing with just one click Say goodbye to unwanted distractions!
Some Noticeable Information
To eliminate Bing from the Start Menu in Windows 10, follow these steps:
1. Firstly, access the Registry Editor (RegEdit).
2. Next, navigate to the following location by pasting "Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer" into the address bar.
3. Right-click on an empty area within the right pane.
4. Proceed to create a new DOWRD (32-bit) entry and name it "DisableSearchBoxSuggestions".
5. Finally, set the value of the newly created entry to 1.
Windows 10's default setting automatically sends all Start Menu searches to their servers for Bing search results. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution and avoid entering any private information into your PC's Start Menu. Alternatively, you can opt to disable the Bing integration in the Start Menu.
How to Disable Bing in the Start Menu in Windows 10
Beginning with the May 2020 Update of Windows 10, a new registry setting has been introduced to manage this particular option. Disabling web searches in the Start menu requires modifying the Windows registry.
It is important to note that the Registry Editor is a potent tool, and any incorrect modifications may lead to system instability or even render it unusable. However, this change is relatively simple, and as long as you adhere to the instructions provided, you should be able to complete it successfully. If you are unfamiliar with using the Registry Editor, it is advisable to acquaint yourself with its usage beforehand. We always recommend creating a backup of your Registry (and your computer) before proceeding with any changes.
To begin, initiate the Registry Editor by clicking on the Start menu and entering "regedit" in the search bar. Locate and double-click on the "Registry Editor" shortcut that emerges (or press Enter) and proceed by clicking "Yes" to confirm the User Account Control prompt.
To access the desired key, proceed to the left pane or simply copy and paste the given address into the address bar of the Registry Editor, then press Enter:
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
If you do not have the "Explorer" subkey under "Windows," create it before continuing.
Create a new DWORD value by right-clicking inside the empty space in the right pane and pointing to New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name the value "DisableSearchBoxSuggestions". Double-click it and set its value data to "1".
You must restart your computer, log out and log back in again, or at least restart Windows Explorer for your change to take effect.
Download Our One-Click Registry Change to Disable Bing
If you don't feel confident about making changes in the Registry on your own, we have provided two downloadable files for your convenience. One file enables you to disable web searching from the Start Menu, while the other file allows you to re-enable web searches. Both files are included in the following zip file, and they work by altering the values as we previously showed you. Simply double-click on the file you desire and follow the prompts.
Click here to download the hacks for disabling Bing in the Start Menu.
You may encounter a warning indicating that these files could potentially pose a risk, and this warning is justified as REG files have the potential to be hazardous. Nevertheless, we have personally crafted these files and can confirm their safety. Moreover, you have the option to open them in any plain text editor to verify that they solely create (or modify) the DWORD mentioned in the preceding section.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I am deeply concerned about my privacy and the amount of data that is being collected about me without my knowledge or consent. The fact that Windows 10's default setting automatically sends all Start Menu searches to their servers for Bing search results is a major privacy concern. I am also concerned about the fact that Microsoft is collecting data about my search queries and using it to target me with advertising.
I believe that Microsoft should be more transparent about the data that it is collecting and how it is using it. I also believe that Microsoft should give users more control over their data and how it is used. I am glad that there are ways to disable Bing in the Windows 10 Start Menu, and I encourage other users to do so.
