How to disable the annoying Edge search bar WITHOUT policies?

Disabling the search suggestions in the Microsoft Edge address bar without using policies is not straightforward, as the options available are primarily controlled through group policies or settings that may not be directly exposed to users. However, you can manage some aspects of the address bar functionality through the Edge settings:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click on Settings and more (the three dots in the upper right corner).
3. Navigate to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
4. In the Address bar and search section, you can adjust settings related to search suggestions and browsing data.
5. You can also consider turning off the toggle for Help improve Microsoft products by sending the results from searches on the web to limit some data sharing.

Unfortunately, if you want to completely disable the search suggestions feature, it typically requires administrative policies that are not available for individual user configuration.

References:

• User data and privacy in Microsoft Edge
• Policy CSP - Browser

Hi KUPRACZ ZIEMOWIT, I completely understand how irritating it feels when something as simple as disabling a feature is hidden behind complicated steps.

To disable the Edge desktop search bar without policies open the Registry Editor by pressing Win + R and typing regedit navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge (create the Edge folder if it doesn’t exist) add a new DWORD (32-bit) value named SearchbarAllowed, set it to 0 then restart your PC alternatively you can stop it from auto starting by opening Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) going to the Startup tab and disabling Microsoft Edge Search Bar.

When the Edge search bar appears does it launch automatically at startup or only after you’ve opened Edge at least once?

Best regards

Lucky Charm

In addition: this can only be done on a per-machine level.

There may be users using the machine that want this and some that don't.

It's just plain stupid that it is not an Edge setting but a machine policy.