Disable Microsoft Edge Search Bar in Windows 11

This article explains how to disable the Microsoft Edge Desktop Search Bar in Windows 11.

Microsoft Edge is the default browser in Windows 11. However, users can switch to their preferred or favorite browser anytime. Edge is based on Chromium, similar to Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers today.

The Edge browser also has a desktop search bar, allowing you to search the web and launch your favorite sites directly from your desktop. Once you launch it, you can drag it anywhere on your desktop.

If you do not want your users to launch or use the Edge search bar, you can disable it using the registry editor in Windows.

Disable the Edge search bar

As mentioned, you can prevent users from launching or using the Edge search bar in Windows.

Here’s how to do it.

First, open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder key path below.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge

Right-click Edge > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name the new DWORD SearchbarAllowed.

Double-click SearchbarAllowed and change the value 0 to disable the Edge search bar in Windows.

If the Edge search bar is disabled and you wish to enable it, delete these two value names listed in the space.

SearchbarAllowed
WebWidgetAllowed

You may have to reboot your computer to apply the changes.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

In summary, disabling the Microsoft Edge Desktop Search Bar in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through the Windows Registry. Here are the key points to remember:

• Access the Registry: Open the Windows Registry Editor and navigate to the appropriate key path.
• Create a DWORD: Right-click on the Edge folder and create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named SearchbarAllowed.
• Set the Value: Change the value of SearchbarAllowed to 0 to disable the search bar.
• Delete Values to Re-enable: If you wish to enable the search bar again, delete the SearchbarAllowed and WebWidgetAllowed values.
• Reboot Required: A system reboot may be necessary for the changes to take effect.

By following these steps, you can manage the functionality of the Edge search bar according to your preferences.