Microsoft tests stripped-back Windows 11 search amid trust drive

Microsoft has begun testing a decluttered version of the Windows 11 search menu, removing recommended content, advertisements, and distracting tiles such as game recommendations and the ‘image of the day’. The update is currently being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel, marking a significant shift in how the operating system surfaces information to users.

In a blog post on Monday, the company announced the changes, stating that the initiative is part of an effort to regain trust with users and fix Windows. The revamped search homescreen now displays only recent searches, eliminating the right pane’s previous clutter which included the image of the day, daily quizzes, trending searches, and game recommendations.

The redesign prioritises local files, apps, and settings over web and Microsoft Store recommendations. Web results will now surface the “most relevant answer” first, rather than showing “related products and promotions”. Testers have the option to turn off web and Store recommendations entirely via the Settings menu, offering greater control over the search experience.

Beyond the removal of ads, the pilot includes several quality-of-life improvements. Microsoft reports better handling of typos, extra letters, and partial words, alongside performance enhancements. The interface also provides clearer metadata display and a preview of the file in the right-side pane, making it easier for users to identify the source of a result.

The update remains in the testing phase and is not yet available to the general public. While Microsoft describes the current interface as distracting, this reflects the company’s perspective and user feedback rather than an objective fact. The long-term impact on user trust and the final feature set of the stable release remain unknown.