Disable integrated Bing search in Windows 8.1

The Start Screen in Windows 8.1 includes refined search capabilities and a big new feature, internet search.  Users can search for files, programs, settings and web sites, all through the search box on the Start Screen.  The ability to search for files, programs and settings in one box puts Windows 8.1 back on par with Windows 7, but the addition of Bing web search with ads is not appropriate for all users.

If you would like to disable the integrated Bing web search feature and revert to the Windows 7 behavior of only searching for files, programs and settings, follow these steps:

Click on the Start Button and type in Search Settings and click or touch Search Settings listed in the results.

On the Search Settings screen, turn off: Use Bing to search online.