Microsoft Takes a Step Back from Aggressive Advertising in Windows Search, Introduces Cleaner and Faster Version
In a move that’s likely to delight many Windows users, Microsoft has started testing a revamped version of its Windows Search feature. Gone are the days when advertisements and promotional content would clutter your search results, making it harder to find what you need. The new and improved Windows Search prioritizes relevant results over ads, and it’s available to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel.
As part of Microsoft’s broader effort to improve the overall Windows experience, these changes are aimed at delivering a more consistent experience across various aspects of the operating system, including the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, and Settings. The new search feature is being rolled out via a Controlled Feature Rollout, which means not all Insiders will see it immediately. However, users can reboot to check for access, or they can opt-in using feature flags.
One of the key changes in this revamped version is that results now clearly indicate their source, whether it’s from an app, Windows setting, file, web result, or Store suggestion. This makes it easier for users to know what they’re clicking on before they actually do it. Additionally, a new setting under Settings > Privacy & Security > Search allows users to choose whether Microsoft Store and web suggestions will appear alongside local results.
Local content is also given more priority when it’s the stronger match, making it easier to find files and documents stored locally. The search feature now supports two-character queries, which can be incredibly useful for quickly locating specific files or apps. Furthermore, Windows Search has become more forgiving of typos and partial words when searching for apps.
Microsoft has also made significant reliability improvements, reducing crashes and loading issues. The company claims that these updates reflect prior feedback from users, and they’re encouraging Insiders to share additional input via the Feedback Hub under Desktop Environment > Search.
This move by Microsoft is a welcome change for many users who have been frustrated with the aggressive advertising in Windows Search. While it’s still early days for this new feature, it’s clear that Microsoft is listening to user feedback and working hard to improve the overall Windows experience.
For those interested in testing out these changes, Windows Insiders can opt-in to the Experimental channel and wait for the updates to roll out. For others, it’s worth keeping an eye on future updates to see when this feature becomes more widely available.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-07-14