Microsoft announced that a cleaner version of the Windows 11 search menu is now being tested with Insiders in the Experimental channel. The new “decluttered” Search Box drops the right‑hand pane that previously displayed an image of the day, daily quizzes, trending searches and game recommendations, leaving only the user’s recent queries.
The revamped homescreen surfaces the most relevant answer first, pushing related products and promotions to the background. Results from local files, apps, and settings are now prioritized over web and Microsoft Store suggestions, and users can disable web and Store recommendations entirely via Settings. Additional tweaks include clearer metadata, a file preview pane on the right, and improved handling of typos, extra letters, and partial words, alongside modest performance gains.
Microsoft says the experiment aims to restore user trust and streamline the search experience. If feedback remains positive, the company may roll the changes out more broadly, potentially reshaping how Windows users locate files and information without the distraction of ads and curated content.
