- Windows 11 build 26300.8697 includes a hidden Settings toggle to disable web search results.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator, navigate to the ViveTool folder, and run the
vivetool /enable /id:48433719,61267302,61344081,61482515,61532758,61760679command.
Microsoft is testing a new option that makes it easier to disable web results in the Windows Search experience on Windows 11. Instead of relying on Group Policy, Registry, or third-party tweaks, the feature adds a dedicated toggle that lets you disable Bing-powered search results directly in the Settings app.
In addition, the company is also adding an option to prevent Microsoft Store apps from appearing in the Windows Search experience.
The setting is still hidden and is currently rolling out as an experimental feature starting with Windows 11 build 26300.8697 for version 26H2, so it isn’t available to everyone yet. However, you can use ViveTool code (via @PhantomOfEarth) to manually enable the experience and access the new control before Microsoft officially makes it available.
In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to manually enable the Windows Search experience on your Windows 11 setup.
Enable new Search experience settings on Windows 11
To enable the new Search settings to disable web search and Microsoft Store apps from results on Windows 11, install build 26300.8697 manually, and then follow these steps:
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Download the ViveTool-vx.x.x.zip file to enable the new Search settings.
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Double-click the zip folder to open it with File Explorer.
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Click the Extract all button.
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Click the Extract button.
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Copy the path to the folder.
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Open Start.
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Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
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Type the following command to navigate to the ViveTool folder and press Enter:
cd c:\folder\path\ViveTool-v0.x.x
In the command, remember to change the path to the folder with your path.
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Type the following command to enable the Windows Search options and press Enter:
vivetool /enable /id:48433719,61267302,61344081,61482515,61532758,61760679
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Restart the computer.
Once you complete the steps, you’ll be able to disable web searches and Microsoft Store apps from appearing in the results in the Windows Search experience.
The options are available on Settings > Privacy & Security > Search under the “Show suggested search results” setting.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 23 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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