Forum Discussion
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.
4 Replies
Make sure Cloud content search and Microsoft account permissions are enabled, if available.
I understand why Microsoft simplified Search, but I think this should be a user choice. An optional setting to restore web results would satisfy both users who want local-only search and those who rely on Windows Search as a quick launcher for websites. Sometimes having one extra click doesn't sound like much, but when you use it dozens of times a day, it really adds up.
Looks like this a known issue in 26300.8935, even I can't enable web search results. Wait for the upcoming build, hope it gets fixed.
The screenshot shows Windows Search returning only local categories and no web result for the entered query. Windows Search supports Bing-powered web results, but Microsoft does not document a setting that turns it into a browser address bar or guarantees that Enter opens a typed URL. First test a correctly spelled general query and confirm internet access. If web results remain absent, install pending Windows updates, end SearchHost.exe in Task Manager so it restarts, and run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter. Reset Windows Search only if those steps fail. On an organization-managed PC, ask the administrator to check whether the “Don’t search the web or display web results in Search” policy is enabled. Avoid undocumented registry changes. For predictable URL navigation, use the browser address bar or Win+R with the complete address. If this changed after an update, submit the build number, screenshot, and reproduction steps through Feedback Hub
