I had a look, but everything is set as I want.
Email = Google Chrome
Web Browser = Google Chrome
Cortana still opens web pages in Edge!
I disabled Cortana some time ago, just by flicking a switch - apparently, that’s not possible anymore and the registry has to be edited …
I’ll have a look at my ‘reset’ Laptop PC to see how that’s set up, since W10 was “reloaded” by Reset.
On my laptop, I have disabled Cortana:
How to Disable Cortana on Windows 10
but Search still connected to Bing/Edge - I tried a couple of methods to stop that but they failed … 
Over to mart … 
That settings thing, I think is a good idea no point in working with a computer as slow as a wet weekend because it is updating, but of course you can disable updating altogether if you wish.
It doesn’t worry me, apps on your phone and tablet update themselves almost constantly, it is the way of the world now but hardly different to installing massive Service Packs as we had to before.
One thing I did when I first got Windows 10 was install Classic Shell so it had the familiar Windows 7 start menu.
They have stopped developing it now but it still works fine.
When using the search icon, by default, the results include files/items found on the computer plus related links that lead to pages on the Internet. These pages will have been found by Bing and they will open in Edge. That’s just the way things are if left alone.
To prevent this behaviour, I have used both of the Registry files mentioned in post 102. Using these saves following the often long and diverse path to the relevant places in the Registry and entering keys and values manually.
Once the Registry has been changed, clicking on the search icon and performing a search only brings results from what’s on the computer with no Internet links involving Bing, Edge or other browser. If I want search results from the Internet, I’ll open a browser of choice (Firefox in my case) and use that.
I don’t know if that quite covers what anyone might want to do but I hope it does.
If you need a perhaps better way of searching the computer for files/items, there’s no need to use the provided search function at all. There’s a search tool called ‘Everything’ by Void Tools. It’s lightening fast at finding anything on the computer. It’s also free and doesn’t even have to be installed because there’s a portable version.
Thanks for the info Bruce it will be a future consideration.
I don’t mind windows 10 at all, in fact I could grow to like it, I haven’t come across a problem that I haven’t been able to sort out yet…
Being an old bloke I don’t like change…
I accept that things move on (technologically) and am quite prepared to try out new ideas and methods.
I don’t even mind sharing my data with microsoft, after all, I’m not doing anything illegal on my computer or attempting copyright theft.
What I don’t like, is once I’ve familiarised myself with a new system and developed an optimum way of using it, only to find that following a burst of updates I have to start all over again because it isn’t how I left it.
I’m wasting time buggering about with the computer instead of getting any work done.
So I would appreciate it if microsoft would leave things as they are, we shouldn’t have to compromise any computer time waiting for god knows what updates to load. I’m perfectly happy with the way things are…
I’ve searched round the gubbins and failed to see any signs of being able to disable updates Bruce, and may I draw your attention to the T&C’s that must be signed before being able to use windows 10…In particular paragraph 6 Updates.
I made this video for my seniors a couple of years ago (I presume it still works)
I agree that it is annoying when a big upgrade has changed back to default settings but if that is all you have to worry about in life then life is pretty sweet.
Unfortunately when I open my start menu, it looks like this Bruce…
Sorry it’s a bit small.
But there is no ‘All Programmes’ listed in the menu…
It occurred to me that I could just delete both Bing and Edge. Unfortunately, neither appear in the list in Programmes and Features.
Still, I would if I could, as I never use either of them.
Yes, it still works… for a time.
I did it, but the next thing I knew was, several weeks later, Microsoft had managed to undo my setting and was happily installing a Windows Update.
The only thing that has worked - so far - is stating that my computer is on a metered connection for the internet.
Edge can be disabled, or so I read. I haven’t tried doing it myself but there are some instructions here:
This wouldn’t stop it taking up disk space though. Edge is very much part of the OS. However, Windows 10 in its entirety only takes up about 20 gigabytes of disk space and most computers have plenty of space to spare. Even if it was possible to uninstall Edge, it probably wouldn’t free up much space. Best to just ignore it. A bit like ignoring Internet Explorer on Windows 7 and using some other browser.
Bing is just a search engine that Edge uses by default but just as with other browsers, it is possible to switch to a different search engine. Also install extensions such as an ad-blocker if you want to.
Edge isn’t a browser I use much but it can be set up to something that works well enough. I have it set to use ‘Startpage’ as a search engine.
No, it’s not the disc space I’m concerned about.
I just had it in mind that if I could remove or disable Bing and Edge, then if and when I use Cortana it might just function as a search engine for files and programmes in my computer.
As I said, if I want to search the internet I use Google.
Apart from any of that, it just annoys me that I have an operating system that was necessary for the function of my computer. Unfortunately, because of the dictatorial attitude of Microsoft I am obliged to include adjunct programmes that are totally unused and unwanted.
Anything else that I buy, if I don’t want part of it I am at liberty to ditch it.
The two Registry files mentioned in an earlier post (#102) made the search behave like that for me.
This one, you mean?
I’d like to try it, but I’ve always been scared of messing with the registry.
If something goes wrong, I assume I’ll be stuck with a useless computer. :shock:
Is it really risky?
Click on Settings (the geared wheel) and search for ‘Administrative Tools’ from there - that cuts out a step.
That link leads only to the Windows 10 forum Home Page. The links in post #102 lead to specific pages containing the downloadable Registry files that change the way the search behaves.
I can’t guarantee the well-being of your computer but I’d say it is safe to use those files. Using them is safer and easier than going into the Registry and making changes manually. They target only the parts of the Registry that affect the search behaviour with no room for error …and there are a couple of Registry files included in the pages that will undo the changes made if that’s what is wanted.
I’ve used the files myself. I’ve also used similar files found on that site that make changes in the Registry. They have always done the job they are supposed to and I’ve never had a problem arise by using them.
The site is a dedicated Windows 10 one where the workings of the OS has its bones picked over in detail. I trust the information and fixes found there.
Thanks Bruce…Successfully disabled…
We’ll see how long it lasts…
So many files in there Bruce, and I bet most of them are surplus to requirement for what use I want from this computer…Question is…Which ones?
There are some for Xbox, something I will never use…I wonder if?..
Both of them:
show only a page of lists. I think it must be when I copy from your post and add to my post?
I’ll open the pages and copy the addresses directly:
I think that’s better. I don’t know why that happened.
Actually there is a video screen saving ability in the Xbox stuff. I have never used it myself because I have other programs that do the same job but it is surprising what ‘odd’ facilities can be used for.
Here is a video you (and others) might find useful.
There are plenty of similar videos on Youtube if you don’t like this one.
I can recommend activating the ‘Night Light’ setting.
Thanks Bruce, but I’m having some real problems with windows 10…
I’m having to write this on my old computer because every time I visit the forum and write a piece on my new computer (with windows 10) it drops offline and I lose everything I’ve just written.
My other computers are unaffected, which suggests it’s the computer and not BT’s router. It’s getting so frustrating that I resorted to writing posts in word and copy and pasting them into the forum, but every time I click on on an action in the forum, down goes the internet.
In desperation I’ve returned to posting on this old netbook running windows 7 where there are no problems whatsoever…HELP!
worried; Doncaster…
…Have I wasted £500?