Forum Discussion

JacobBrown's avatar
JacobBrown
Iron Contributor
Jul 07, 2026

I hope Windows 11 Search will bring back web results

I’d like to re-enable web search results in Windows 11 Search so that I can open a page by simply pressing Enter after entering the URL, rather than having to select it with the Tab key or the mouse.

 

Application Management

3 Replies

  • Hupixdel's avatar
    Hupixdel
    Silver Contributor
    Jul 08, 2026

    The most common workaround is to use the Run dialog box (Win + R), paste or type the URL there, and press Enter. This has been confirmed to work normally and opens the link directly in your default browser.

  • hader's avatar
    hader
    Copper Contributor
    Jul 07, 2026

    Windows includes normally a search through Bing. The fact that it does not now, shows this is because you turned this option off. The way to turn this option on/off is:

    Start regedit. Goto HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer

    Look at DisableSearchBoxSuggestions If the value is 1 then the search is turned off. Just change it to 0 to turn it on again and reboot your PC.

     

  • Jamony's avatar
    Jamony
    MCT
    Jul 07, 2026

    Hi Jacob, Windows Search behavior is partly controlled by Microsoft design and partly by policy. For now, the quickest workaround is Edge address bar or Run dialog shortcuts, but Feedback Hub is the best place to request Enter-to-open web behavior again.