How to Remove Bing from the Search Bar in Windows 11
In the digital world where various search engines compete for user attention, many Windows 11 users find themselves dealing with Bing as their default search engine. Microsoft’s search engine, Bing, often emerges as the default choice due to the integration with Microsoft Edge and Windows 11’s modern interface. However, not everyone prefers to use Bing for their online searches. If you lean more toward Google, DuckDuckGo, or other search engines, you might want to change your default search provider and ultimately remove Bing from your search bar.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of removing Bing from the search bar in Windows 11. We will discuss both practical methods to switch your default search engine in various web browsers and delve into the adjustments necessary within the Windows 11 operating system.
Understanding the Default Search Engine in Windows 11
Before we jump into the methods of removing Bing, it’s essential to comprehend how search engines operate within Windows 11. The search functionality in this operating system is primarily linked to Microsoft Edge. When you type a query into the search bar or the taskbar, Windows 11 uses your default web browser to perform searches. Thus, changing the default search engine requires adjustments in your selected browser.
Why Would You Want to Remove Bing?
-
Personal Preference
: Many users prefer Google or other search engines for their interfaces, results, or unique features. -
Privacy Concerns
: Some search engines emphasize user privacy more than others; users might opt for alternatives like DuckDuckGo. -
Performance
: Users may find that alternative search engines yield more relevant results to their queries or deliver a faster search experience.
Changing the Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge
Open Microsoft Edge
:
To start, locate the Microsoft Edge icon on your taskbar or search for it in the Start menu.
Access Settings
:
Click the three horizontal dots (the “More” button) in the upper right corner of the window. From the dropdown menu, select
Settings
.
Privacy, Search, and Services
:
In the left pane, click on
Privacy, search, and services
.
Address Bar and Search
:
Scroll down to
Services
and select
Address bar and search
.
Change Search Engine
:
Click on
Manage search engines
. Here, you’ll see a list of available search engines.
Set Default Search Engine
:
If your preferred search engine (e.g., Google, DuckDuckGo) appears in the list, click on the three dots beside it and choose
Make default
. If it’s not present, you can add it manually.
Adding a New Search Engine
:
To add a new search engine:
-
Click
Add
. -
Fill in the required fields:
-
Search engine
: Name of the search engine (e.g., Google). -
Keyword
: An identifying keyword. -
URL
: The search URL (for Google, it is
https://www.google.com/search?q=%s
).
-
-
Click
Add
after inputting the details.
-
Search engine
: Name of the search engine (e.g., Google). -
Keyword
: An identifying keyword. -
URL
: The search URL (for Google, it is
https://www.google.com/search?q=%s
).
Changing the Default Web Browser in Windows 11
Changing the default browser can also help in removing Bing from the search bar.
Open Settings
:
Right-click the Start button and select
Settings
or press
Windows + I
.
Navigate to Apps
:
In the Settings window, click on
Apps
on the left sidebar.
Default Apps
:
Select
Default apps
. Here, you can choose what apps should open for specific types of files and links.
Select Your Preferred Browser
:
Scroll to find your preferred browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox, etc.) and click on it.
Set as Default
:
You’ll see a list of protocols and file types associated with this browser. Click on each link and select your browser to set it as the default. Ensure you cover HTTP, HTTPS, .htm, and .html.
Removing Bing from the Taskbar Search Results
For users who prefer to disable Bing from appearing in search results from the taskbar, here is how to do it:
Open Settings
:
Access the Settings app (Windows + I).
Privacy & security
:
Click on
Privacy & security
from the sidebar.
Search permissions
:
Scroll down to the
Windows permissions
section and click on
Search permissions
.
Disable Web Results
:
Toggle off the option that states
“Search the web and Windows”
. This prevents search results from displaying Bing’s web content.
Clearing Default Search Engine on Other Browsers
If you use browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, here’s how to change the default search engine and remove Bing from these platforms:
Open Chrome
:
Start your Google Chrome browser.
Access Settings
:
Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner and select
Settings
.
Search Engine
:
On the left sidebar, click on
Search engine
. Then select
Manage search engines and site search
.
Adjust Default Search Engine
:
Under
Default search engines
, choose the engine you want to use by clicking on the three dots and selecting
Make default
. If Bing is listed here, you can remove it too.
Add a New Search Engine
:
If your preferred engine is not listed, click
Add
to input a new search engine.
Open Firefox
:
Launch the Firefox browser.
Access Settings
:
Click on the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner, then choose
Settings
.
Search
:
Select
Search
from the left pane.
Default Search Engine
:
Here, you can change your default search engine by selecting from the dropdown menu. If Bing is set as default, you can easily switch it to your preferred engine.
Remove Bing
:
If you want to remove Bing entirely, scroll down to
One-Click Search Engines
, select Bing, and then click
Remove
.
Disabling Web Search Options in Windows 11
In addition to changing settings, you might want to stop Windows 11 from using Bing altogether during searches.
Open Settings
:
Navigate to the Settings app using Windows + I.
Select Privacy & Security
:
Look for the
Privacy & Security
option on the left.
Click on Turn Off Search History
:
Scroll down to
Windows permissions
and find
Search permissions
. Toggle off options that relate to online search or suggestions from the web.
Other Considerations
Changing settings regarding your default search engine and removing Bing will not erase any remaining functionality of Bing within your computer. Certain applications might still integrate Bing as part of their functionalities, such as news feeds or Microsoft’s own applications. If you continue to encounter Bing in different areas of your operating system or specific applications, consider searching for settings regarding the specific application and adjusting them accordingly.
Conclusion
Removing Bing from the search bar in Windows 11 involves a series of steps across different settings and applications, but by understanding your default applications and search engines, you can customize your digital experience to fit your preferences. Whether you prefer a different search engine for privacy, performance, or personal choice, this guide serves to equip you with the necessary steps to help you attain just that.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your search experience in Windows 11 aligns with your preferences, leading to a more enjoyable use of your operating system and web browsing. If adjustments above do not fully remove Bing to your satisfaction, remember that other search engines offer various features and functionalities worth exploring, making your search experience seamless and personalized.