Microsoft tests cleaner Windows search experience

Microsoft is piloting a decluttered version of the Windows 11 search menu, stripping it of advertisements and recommended content. The company stated the move is intended to improve user experience and rebuild trust.

The revamped search homescreen currently displays only recent searches. The existing interface includes a right-hand pane with various tiles, such as the "image of the day," quizzes, and trending searches, which Microsoft acknowledges can be distracting.

The cleaner search experience is being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel. This initial testing phase will allow the company to gather user feedback before a wider release. Details on the technical implementation remain limited, but the change reflects a broader effort to streamline the operating system's interface.

This initiative is part of a larger strategy to enhance the overall usability of Windows. Removing promotional elements from core functions like search could be a key factor in boosting user satisfaction with the platform.