Story perspectives

Microsoft Tests Ad-Free Windows 11 Search, Prioritizes Local Results

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Microsoft added the new Windows 11 Search to the Experimental channel.
The window now lists only name and category results, dropping trending topics and ads.
It corrects misspellings such as “utlook” to “Outlook” and shows results after two characters.
Local files, apps and settings appear before web and Store results, toggled in Settings -> Privacy and Security -> Search.
Microsoft said the feature could reach all Windows 11 users within months if testing succeeds.

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Story summary

Microsoft added the new Windows 11 Search to the Experimental channel.
The window now lists only name and category results, dropping trending topics and ads.
It corrects misspellings such as “utlook” to “Outlook” and shows results after two characters.
Local files, apps and settings appear before web and Store results, toggled in Settings -> Privacy and Security -> Search.
Microsoft said the feature could reach all Windows 11 users within months if testing succeeds.