Microsoft confirms ads are being removed from Windows 11 Search in new major upgrade

Q: Which Windows Insider channel is getting the revamped Windows 11 Search first?

The revamped Windows 11 Search is first rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental Channel. The update is being phased, with a wider release expected later this year.

Q: Does the update remove ads and MSN/Bing promotional content from the Windows Search Box?

Yes. The article states the overhaul targets local apps, files, and settings while removing ads and other distractions, and explicitly says Microsoft is removing MSN/Bing clutter and promotional content from the Windows Search Box. The changes are rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental Channel with a wider release expected later this year.

Q: What types of local content will the new Search prioritize (apps, files, settings)?

The new Search will prioritize local apps, files, and settings. The overhaul removes ads and other distractions to make results clearer, more relevant, and easier to navigate.

Q: How is Microsoft improving typo tolerance and result layout in the updated Search?

Microsoft says the updated Search includes better tolerance for typos and a more intuitive layout for scanning results, making results clearer, more relevant, and easier to navigate. These changes are rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental Channel as part of the overhaul that prioritizes local apps, files, and settings while removing ads and other clutter.

Microsoft is overhauling Windows 11 search to prioritize local content, remove ads, and deliver clearer, faster, more relevant results.

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Jak Connor

Tech and Science Editor

Published Jul 14, 2026 12:15 PM CDT

1 minute & 30 seconds read time

TL;DR: Microsoft is updating Windows 11 Search to emphasize local apps, files, and settings, remove ads and promotional clutter, improve typo tolerance, and present clearer, more relevant results; the overhaul is rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental Channel with a broader release planned later this year.

Voice: Jak ConnorSpeed

0:00 / 1:57

Microsoft is finally delivering on a long-awaited fix to Windows 11 search, and while the fix is rolling out to specific Windows users, those users will be glad to know it targets local apps, files, and settings, while removing ads and other distractions, otherwise known as "bloat".

Microsoft confirms ads are being removed from Windows 11 Search in new major upgrade 1

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The company announced the news in a new Windows Blog post, where it wrote that it is rolling out an overhaul that makes search results clearer, more relevant, and easier to navigate. According to Microsoft, the changes are in direct response to user feedback and are intended to make the Windows Search Box a more valuable feature for everyday tasks. The update also includes better tolerance for typos and a more intuitive layout for scanning results, which should make browsing the plethora of files on your computer easier on the eyes.

Microsoft has recently been making an effort to refine the Windows 11 user experience, particularly in areas that have historically frustrated users, while also preparing Windows for full gaming integration through the Xbox Full Screen Experience. By removing MSN/Bing clutter and promotional content, the new search experience feels less like an ad platform and more like a functional tool, which is something Windows 11 users have been complaining about for quite some time.

Microsoft confirms ads are being removed from Windows 11 Search in new major upgrade 3

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Question #1

Which Windows Insider channel is getting the revamped Windows 11 Search first?

Question #2

Does the update remove ads and MSN/Bing promotional content from the Windows Search Box?

Question #3

What types of local content will the new Search prioritize (apps, files, settings)?

Question #4

How is Microsoft improving typo tolerance and result layout in the updated Search?

Have a question not listed here? Ask below and TweakBot will answer it.

The incoming changes are now rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental Channel, with a wider release expected later this year. As of now, users may not see the updates immediately due to phased deployment, so make sure to keep an eye on Windows Update to see if any new updates are available to download.