Search settings Archives

Winsage

December 3, 2025

How to stop internet results in Search for Windows 11 — get rid of Bing suggestions for a clean, simplified experience

On Windows 11, users can disable web search results on the home page of the Windows Search experience through the Settings app. For Windows 11 Pro users, this can be done via Group Policy by navigating to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer, editing the policy "Turn off display of recent search entries in the File Explorer search box," selecting Enabled, and applying the changes. A reboot may be required to take effect. For both Windows 11 Pro and Home users, web results can also be disabled through the Registry by navigating to HKEYCURRENTUSERSOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows, creating a new key named Explorer, adding a DWORD (32-bit) Value named DisableSearchBoxSuggestions, and setting its value to 1. Restarting the computer will limit search results to system and file-related queries. To revert these changes, the DWORD can be deleted. Web search results in Windows Search refer to online suggestions that appear alongside local files and applications when users input queries.

AppWizard

October 12, 2025

Battlefield 6’s custom search is letting players down, so dev asks if you’d like the option to wait

The Battlefield 6 custom search tool is designed to improve matchmaking by allowing players to quickly select their preferred maps and game modes, bypassing the extensive Portal server list. However, players have reported frustrations as the tool sometimes places them in matches that do not match their selections, prioritizing speed over player preferences. Kevin Johnson, the global community manager, acknowledged this issue, stating that the tool expands search parameters for quicker matchmaking. Prominent YouTubers Westie and Squid-G shared their experiences of being matched with undesired maps, leading to a discussion about the potential for a toggle feature that would allow players to wait longer for their preferred options. DICE producer Alexia Christofi noted that the team is considering this feature and exploring ways for custom search settings to persist across sessions. Lead producer David Sirland indicated that the team sees Portal as a foundational step toward developing persistent servers and improving the gaming environment, while Christofi assured the community that their feedback is being monitored for future improvements.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Windows 11 KB5063878 & KB5063875 cumulative updates released

Microsoft has released two cumulative updates for Windows 11: KB5063878 for version 24H2 and KB5063875 for version 23H2, addressing security vulnerabilities and various issues. Users can install the updates via Start > Settings > Windows Update or download them from the Microsoft Update Catalog. For Windows 11 Enterprise or Windows Server with Hotpatch, update KB5064010 is available, sharing the same fixes with a build number of 26100.4851. After installation, the build number for Windows 11 24H2 will be 26100.4946, and for 23H2, it will be 226x1.5768. Support for Windows 11 23H2 will end on November 11, 2025. The updates include new features and fixes in the Settings app, Windows Resiliency Initiative, Start menu, Snap functionality, Windows Search, input enhancements, File Explorer, desktop icons, and notifications. Microsoft has reported no known issues with this update.

Winsage

August 10, 2025

Microsoft ‘rationalizes’ Windows Search settings in latest Windows 11 build

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27919 for users in the Canary channel, focusing on enhancements to Windows Search functionality. The update consolidates Windows Search settings into a single page under Settings > Privacy & security > Search, featuring a modern visual layout for easier navigation. This build primarily serves as a maintenance release, addressing various system issues, including a fix for File Explorer crashes and input method malfunctions. However, known issues persist, such as potential loss of Windows Hello PIN for users transitioning from other channels, display problems during upgrades, and remote desktop limitations. Investigations are also ongoing regarding non-functional widgets after the upgrade.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27919 (Canary Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27919 has been released to the Canary Channel. Changes include a refined organization of Windows Search settings, consolidating previous pages into one under Settings > Privacy & security > Search. Fixes address a crash in File Explorer when accessing the digital signatures tab and issues with the Microsoft Changjie Input method and phonetic keyboards. Known issues include potential loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometric sign-in for users transitioning from other channels, rendering issues with the progress wheel during upgrades, multiple error pop-ups in the Group Policy Editor, crashes related to dao360.dll, Remote Desktop being limited to the primary monitor, and non-functional widgets after the upgrade. Insiders are reminded that builds in the Canary Channel reflect early development changes and may not align with specific Windows releases. Features may evolve or be removed, and some may appear in other channels first. A clean installation is required to exit the Canary Channel, and a desktop watermark is standard for pre-release builds.

Winsage

August 8, 2025

Microsoft improves Windows 11 Search UI settings, confirms group policy bug in build 27919

Microsoft has released a new Windows 11 build, 27919, for Insiders in the Canary channel, featuring a refreshed user interface for the Search page within the Settings app. The update reorganizes Windows Search settings under Settings > Privacy & security, introducing dedicated “Search permissions” and “Searching Windows” pages for easier navigation. The build also resolves several bugs, including a crash in File Explorer when accessing digital signatures and issues with the Microsoft Changjie Input method and phonetic keyboards. However, known issues include potential loss of Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for users transitioning from other channels, display errors during the upgrade process, error pop-ups in the Group Policy Editor, and remote desktop functionality defaulting to the primary monitor.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

8 new features arriving with the August 2025 Security Update for Windows 11

On August 12, 2025, Microsoft will roll out the August 2025 Security Update for Windows 11, which includes significant security enhancements and new features. Key improvements in version 24H2 include: - A complete reset feature for Windows Recall. - Enhanced AI actions for Click to Do. - A redesigned Search settings page. - A new gamepad keyboard layout with PIN sign-in support. - The Reading Coach app available through the Microsoft Store, allowing users to utilize Click to Do while on a snapshot. - A new action for Microsoft 365 Copilot subscribers called "Draft with Copilot in Word." - A new AI agent in the Settings app that improves the search experience using natural language. - Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) feature to minimize downtime from boot failures, enabled by default for Windows 11 Home users. - Upgraded Snap Layouts feature with inline descriptions. - Consolidation of "Search permissions" and "Searching Windows" into a single "Search" page. - Enhanced gamepad touch keyboard layout for quicker PIN sign-ins. - Replacement of the Blue Screen of Death with a new black error page that presents essential information. The update will be automatically downloaded and installed, with options for manual checks via Settings > Windows Update.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Update for Windows 11 brings more resilience (and Recall)

The optional update KB5062660 for Windows 11 version 24H2 introduces several new features, including Microsoft Recall in Europe, which allows users to export snapshots of their activities with a unique export code for privacy. The Click to Do functionality expands with a new Practice in Reading Coach feature and integration with Microsoft Teams for drafting messages. An AI agent is added to the settings app for Copilot+ PCs, while non-Copilot+ systems have a centered search bar for accessibility. The update includes rapid machine recovery options, enhancements to the Start menu, improved snap functionality, and a new Gamepad keyboard layout for gamers. It also resolves various issues from previous versions, including bugs in File Explorer and system stability problems. AI components related to Image Search, Content Extraction, and Semantic Analysis have been enhanced, and there are no known issues with this update. Features will be rolled out gradually to users.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Windows 11 KB5062660 24H2 out with features, direct download links for offline installer (.msu)

Windows 11 KB5062660 is an optional update for Windows 11 24H2, introducing features like Recall AI for users in Europe. The update is approximately one gigabyte in size and upgrades the operating system to Windows 11 Build 26100.4770. Users can access it through Windows Update or direct download links from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Recall AI allows users to save screen snapshots but raises privacy concerns, which can be managed through settings. The update also includes Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) for efficient system recovery, improvements in system stability, and various enhancements such as inline messages in the Snap bar, streamlined Windows Search settings, enhanced controller navigation, and fixes for issues in the Settings app and File Explorer.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Windows 11 KB5062660 update brings new ‘Windows Resilience’ features

Microsoft has released the KB5062660 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, introducing twenty-nine new features and changes, including the Black Screen of Death and the Quick Machine Recovery tool. This optional update is part of Microsoft's non-security preview updates, allowing users to test upcoming features before the next Patch Tuesday. Users can install the update via Settings > Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.4770. Key features include: - Recall functionality in the EEA for exporting snapshots. - Improvements in Reading Coach and Immersive Reader. - Draft creation in Word with Copilot. - New agent in Settings for easier navigation. - Quick Machine Recovery for automatic issue resolution. - Boolean option in Start menu configuration. - Enhanced Snap and Windows Search settings. - Gamepad layout improvements in the touch keyboard. - Various fixes for File Explorer, desktop icons, and notifications. The KB5058502 update also addresses issues related to authentication and system stability, with no known issues reported for KB5062660.