Taming Windows 11's Bloatware for Gamers and Streamers

For gamers and streamers who primarily use their Windows PC for gaming and entertainment, some features can be overwhelming or unnecessary. One such feature is the integration of web results from Bing in the Start menu search, which can clutter the results with irrelevant suggestions.

To disable this feature, one can use a registry tweak by creating a DWORD value named DisableSearchBoxSuggestions under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\€Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\. Setting it to 1 will prevent web results from appearing in search queries. For those who prefer a dedicated search tool, Listary is an alternative that provides faster file and app launching.

Another feature that may not be useful for everyone is the Copilot AI add-on, which starts automatically and consumes system resources even when not in use. To stop it from starting with Windows, one can disable it through Task Manager or uninstall it entirely via Settings > Apps > Installed apps. For users on Windows Pro or above, Group Policy can also be used to prevent Copilot from returning after a future update.

The OneDrive sync client is another feature that may not be desirable for some users, as it quietly redirects Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders into its own sync folder, consuming storage space. To stop syncing without removing OneDrive entirely, one can unlink the PC under Account settings in Settings > Apps > Startup.

In addition to these features, Widgets, a news feed icon at the bottom left of the taskbar, can also be customized or removed. By turning off the news feed separately through Settings > Show or hide feeds, users can control what appears on their screen. Alternatively, removing the Widgets package using PowerShell will completely eliminate it.

Finally, for those who want to tidy up their Start menu, recommended files and Microsoft suggestions can be turned off via Settings > Personalization > Start. Unpinning unused apps from the Start menu and dragging frequently used ones to the top can also help streamline the interface.