Microsoft Is Finally Fixing the Windows Search Problem.
Microsoft continues its apology tour for Windows. After extensive changes to the Start menu and taskbar , Microsoft has now turned its attention to the infamous Windows search bar . It’s no secret that Windows search is overloaded with ads, web pages, and other results you probably don’t need. Personally, I switched to using the PowerToys command palette for all my searches . But now Microsoft is gradually testing an updated search bar that prioritizes local files and apps and doesn’t take forever to load. If you’re a Windows Insider , you can join the queue to try out the next new changes.
Windows Search has a refreshed user interface focused on local search.
Windows Search no longer displays a “Suggested” feed of web resources and suggestions. Open Search, and you’ll see a clean list of your recent searches. Microsoft will now prioritize local searches as you type. This means local apps, files, and folders will appear first and faster. Microsoft is also updating Search to include broader options, so even if you misspell an app name, it should still appear in the list.
The results page has also received a refreshed design. Results on the left now have more white space and display additional information, such as file type, modification time, and so on. After selecting a result, you’ll also see a preview of the file and metadata, as well as improved buttons for basic actions like “Open.” Microsoft is also focusing on reliability, promising a reduction in crashes and random errors. How well this actually works remains to be seen after some testing.
However, integration with broader search hasn’t disappeared completely. Below local results, you’ll see a section with web results, although this section has also undergone changes. Previously, web search showed the sponsored post at the top, hiding the actual result or answer until you scrolled down the page. Now, Microsoft displays the direct result at the top and moves the sponsored posts to the bottom.
You can turn off website and Microsoft Store suggestions in search.
Finally, Windows settings have separate toggles to disable the entire web search and Microsoft Store suggestions section, allowing Windows Search to focus solely on finding local files and quickly launching apps. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Show suggested search results and toggle off the toggles for web search and Microsoft Store .