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Microsoft Tests Leaner Windows 11 Search, Removes Ads

7/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Microsoft Corp. began testing a streamlined Windows 11 Search Box for Windows Insiders that shows only recent searches on the homescreen.
The new menu surfaces the most relevant answer first, removes sponsored products, and adds a right-hand preview pane with clearer file metadata.
The updated search engine better handles typos, extra letters and partial words, delivers performance gains, and lets users disable web and Microsoft Store results in Settings.

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Story summary

Microsoft Corp. began testing a streamlined Windows 11 Search Box for Windows Insiders that shows only recent searches on the homescreen.
The new menu surfaces the most relevant answer first, removes sponsored products, and adds a right-hand preview pane with clearer file metadata.
The updated search engine better handles typos, extra letters and partial words, delivers performance gains, and lets users disable web and Microsoft Store results in Settings.