Microsoft’s Revamped Windows 11 Search Prioritizes Local Files Over Web Results
Before and after the Windows 11 search refresh.
Credit: Windows
Microsoft is updating Windows 11‘s search function to show clearer, local results and fewer ads. The new design replaces the cluttered search home screen, which previously showed MSN tiles, news, trivia, and other promotional content. Now it will have a cleaner layout that shows recent searches and results.
In a blog post, Microsoft said it overhauled Windows 11’s search after users complained that it was too cluttered, slow, and focused on web content. Now, the “calmer” search interface displays apps, settings, local files, and OneDrive items before web results. Each result also says whether it’s from an app, document, setting, web page, or Microsoft Store option, so users can quickly understand what they’re opening.
Microsoft also says it has removed promotional content from web results in the search interface, which means sponsored links and similar promos should no longer dominate the search panel. A new toggle in Settings under Privacy & Security > Search lets users turn off web results and Store suggestions entirely.
Finally, app searches should now be more forgiving of typos and partial names.
The new search experience is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel. Microsoft says it will reach all Windows 11 users later in 2026, with more tuning planned over the coming months.
