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Microsoft Overhauls Windows 11 Search to Prioritize Local Results and Remove Ads

A preview in the Experimental Insider channel removes MSN/Bing tiles and sponsored web previews to prioritize local files with user toggles for web and Store suggestions.

Overview

  • Microsoft began a Controlled Feature Rollout to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel on July 13–14, 2026 to test the redesigned Search before broader release later this year.
  • The new Search strips MSN and Bing promotional tiles and sponsored product previews so web results present direct answers without ads and local content is more visible.
  • Every result now shows a clear source label (app, setting, file, web, or Store) so users can tell what they will open before clicking.
  • Under the hood improvements include better typo tolerance, two-character file search support, improved visibility for cloud/connected files, and reliability fixes to reduce crashes and loading issues.
  • Users can disable web and Microsoft Store suggestions in Settings > Privacy & Security > Search and Insiders can enable the preview via feature flags, while Microsoft continues ranking and stability tuning as part of its Windows K2 effort.