Windows 11 is now introducing the choice to remove Bing from Search.

      The Bing clutter that has frustrated Windows 11 users for years finally has a proper off switch.

      Microsoft has been testing a more streamlined version of Windows Search over the past few months, and it is now beginning to roll out to regular Windows 11 PCs.

      As reported by Windows Latest, the revamped Search experience is part of the optional August 2026 update, KB5120998, for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. Microsoft confirms that this update upgrades PCs to builds 26100.9278 and 26200.9278, respectively, although some of the new features will be activated gradually.

      We first discussed these Search modifications in July when they were available only to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel.

      Windows

      You can finally exclude Bing from Windows Search

      The most significant enhancement is a pair of controls located under Settings > Privacy & security > Search. One toggle manages web results, while another controls Microsoft Store suggestions.

      Disabling web results removes Bing suggestions from Search, and turning off both options keeps Windows focused mainly on results from the PC. Windows Latest also noted that Search feels quicker this way, as it no longer waits for an online Bing request before delivering results.

      The Search home screen looks cleaner as well. Microsoft has eliminated much of the previous Bing-related clutter, such as trending searches and promotional content, and it now clearly indicates whether results originate from an app, file, setting, the web, or Microsoft Store. Typo correction and prioritization of local results have also been enhanced.

      Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

      The rollout remains gradual

      Installing KB5120998 doesn’t guarantee immediate access to the new Search. Microsoft is utilizing its Controlled Feature Rollout system, meaning the necessary components may already be installed while the feature itself might still be disabled on some PCs.

      According to Windows Latest, users who do not wish to wait can enable it manually through ViVeTool, while others can simply wait for Microsoft to automatically enable the feature.

      Windows Search should not have relied on an online request to help someone find the Calculator, Settings, or a file stored on their own computer. Microsoft has taken its time reaching this point, but the ability to disable Bing greatly improves the Search function, making it behave much more like a desktop search tool should.

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      Windows 11’s persistent OneDrive notifications are set to be reduced

      "Remind me in 3 days": Just leave me alone already, OneDrive

      Microsoft is introducing a small but eagerly awaited change to Windows 11. The system is now starting to display a new “Opt out of backup” button on its full-screen OneDrive backup prompt. Occasionally, my nearly six-year-old desktop PC prompts me to enable backup every few days.

      Previously, this appeared as a full-screen notice requesting you to enable backup or choose "Remind me in 3 days." Even during the initial setup, you only had the option to “Continue” or “Skip for now.” Now, there will be a simple option allowing users to opt out of OneDrive backup.

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      Dell Alienware 15 (DA15265) review: Budget gaming has a new price point, and it performs unexpectedly well

      An RTX 5050 laptop that knows where to make compromises

      I don’t particularly like labeling a $1,459.99 laptop as entry-level, but upgrading your aging gaming laptop is tricky right now. Just a year ago, you could find a solid selection of mid-range and even high-end models at great prices. Currently, PC hardware has become significantly more expensive, and the memory shortage has exacerbated the situation.

      We’ve previously discussed how rising DRAM and NAND prices are affecting laptop prices in 2026, and the Alienware 15 (DA15265) arrives during this peculiar period. My setup includes AMD's Ryzen 7 260 processor paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 with 8GB of GDDR7 memory, 16GB of DDR5-5600 RAM, and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD. I used it for just under a month, primarily as a gaming machine along with some writing and regular Windows tasks.

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      Google Maps has introduced another “America” to its maps, and Canadians are not pleased

      First the Gulf of Mexico, now Google Maps has renamed Lake Ontario

      If you are in the US and open Google Maps to search for Lake Ontario, something will appear a bit off. It’s now called Lake America. Google began implementing this change after the US Geographic Names Information System officially altered the lake’s name following an executive order from President Donald Trump. Google says its long-standing policy is to reflect geographic names from official government sources.

      As a result, the map changes based on your location. Users in the US see Lake America, while Canadians