Don't search the web or display web results in Search
This machine-wide policy value controls whether Windows Search sends queries to a web service and includes web results in Search.
since 0.9.8.11
Purpose
Show registry keys (1)
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search\ConnectedSearchUseWeb
This machine-wide policy value controls whether Windows Search sends queries to a web service and includes web results in Search.
ConnectedSearchUseWeb is a REG_DWORD value. A value of 0 prevents web queries and suppresses web results. A value of 1 permits both. When the policy value is absent, users can choose whether Search uses the web, where that choice is supported by the Windows version in use.
The setting applies specifically to the web integration in Windows Search. It does not inherently disable local search, the search index, or the Search user interface.
Notes
Security
A value of 0 prevents Windows Search from performing web queries. Search terms entered through this feature are therefore not submitted to its associated online search service to obtain web results. This can reduce the disclosure of internal names, filenames, or other sensitive information entered as search terms.
This setting is not a general network restriction. It does not block web searches in browsers or network connections made by other Windows components or applications.
Possible side effects
Users no longer receive web results in Windows Search. Queries that do not match local applications, settings, or files may consequently return fewer results or no results.
Notes
This is a device-scoped policy.
The policy name uses inverse logic relative to the registry value: enabling the policy that suppresses web results corresponds to ConnectedSearchUseWeb=0.
Microsoft documentation
Microsoft Learn: Search Policy CSP – DoNotUseWebResults
Microsoft Learn: Manage connections from Windows components to Microsoft services