How to Block Microsoft Store App Recommendations in Windows 11 Start Menu Search (25H2)
Microsoft’s Windows 11 version 25H2 quietly introduced a controversial new feature — Microsoft Store app recommendations inside the Start menu search. When users type in a query like “mouse” or “calculator,” Windows now displays a “From the Microsoft Store” section suggesting related apps, even on corporate-managed devices.
For enterprise environments managed through Intune or Group Policy, this can be frustrating. It mixes consumer-focused content into business systems, and there’s no clear way to disable it — at least not yet.
This guide explores what’s known so far, what admins have tested, and how you can minimize or suppress these suggestions.
What’s Happening
Windows 11 (25H2) has expanded the Search Experience Host to include online app suggestions directly from the Microsoft Store. This integration appears even when:
- Bing web search is disabled
- Consumer features are turned off
- Microsoft Store is restricted or blocked
When users search for local tools (e.g., “mouse” or “display”), they now see a Store section with similar apps, such as Move Mouse or Display Manager+.
Known Admin Workarounds
1. Disable Consumer Features (Partially Works)
Group Policy Path:Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content
Policy:Turn off Microsoft consumer features → Enabled
This setting blocks some consumer and promotional features, but does not remove the Store recommendation section in Start search.
2. Restrict Search Using the Registry
Registry Path:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search
Suggested DWORDs:
BingSearchEnabled = 0
CortanaConsent = 0
AllowSearchToUseLocation = 0
These entries disable web search, Cortana, and location usage. However, Store results still appear — they seem to use a separate internal API tied to the Search Experience Host.
3. Turn Off All Recommendations in Settings
Manually disable all “suggestion” and “highlight” toggles:
- System > Notifications > Additional Settings: Turn off all options
- Personalization > Start: Disable “Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps”
- Privacy & Security > Search: Turn off “Show search highlights”
- Privacy & Security > General: Disable “Personalized offers and ads”
These reduce promotional content system-wide but do not consistently remove Store recommendations in Start search.
4. Intune Policy Options
Intune Admin Center:Devices > Configuration Profiles > Create Profile > Windows 10 and later > Settings catalog
Search for and configure:
- Consumer Features: Enabled
- Online Tips: Disabled
- Search Highlights: Disabled
While these settings help declutter the UI, the new Store integration remains active in 25H2.
Why This Happens
The new recommendations appear to be part of an updated component in Windows Search that uses Microsoft’s internal Store API. It’s independent of Bing Search or typical “consumer features,” which is why traditional methods don’t suppress it.
In short, the Store section is hard-coded into the modern Windows Search experience and currently not governed by any documented CSP (Configuration Service Provider), GPO, or registry value.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Disable or restrict Microsoft Store access
- Use AppLocker or Intune App Control policies to block Store installations.
- This won’t hide the Store section in Start search, but it prevents unwanted app installations.
- Apply all available “consumer feature” and “recommendation” restrictions
- Helps reduce other promotional content.
- Monitor ADMX and CSP updates
- Look out for a new key such as:
Policy CSP > Search > DisableStoreRecommendations(No such policy exists as of November 2025.)
- Look out for a new key such as:
- User education and scripting
- Deploy PowerShell scripts via Intune to disable web content and suppress personalization features.
- Example: turn off Bing Search, highlights, and suggestions for a cleaner Start experience.
Verification Steps
After applying any combination of these policies, verify the changes:
- Check Bing Search: Open
Regeditand confirmBingSearchEnabled = 0. - Test Store visibility: Search “mouse” or “paint” in Start to see if “From the Microsoft Store” still appears.
- Audit applied policies: In Intune, use Device Configuration → Reports → Per setting status to confirm deployment success.
Expected Behavior and Limitations
| Control Type | Removes Store Apps in Start Search | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turn off Microsoft Consumer Features (GPO) | ❌ | Partially affects promotional content only |
| Disable Bing Search | ❌ | Stops web results, not Store |
| Disable Search Highlights | ⚠️ | Removes some network features |
| Block Microsoft Store (AppLocker) | ⚠️ | Prevents installations only |
| Disable via CSP (Future) | ✅ | Not available yet |
Summary
As of Windows 11 version 25H2, there is no known Intune policy, registry key, or Group Policy setting that completely blocks Microsoft Store app recommendations in the Start menu search.
The best approach for now is to:
- Disable all consumer and web-based features.
- Limit Store installations via Intune or AppLocker.
- Monitor Microsoft’s documentation for new CSPs or ADMX templates that might introduce finer control.
This issue highlights the ongoing convergence between Windows consumer UX and enterprise environments, where control granularity still lags behind the pace of UI updates.
