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Server-side Bing update regression disrupts Windows 11 23H2 Start Menu search functionality

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Last updated
1 unique sources, 1 articles

Summary

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A server-side Bing update distributed by Microsoft on April 6, 2026, introduced a regression that broke the Start Menu search feature for a subset of Windows 11 23H2 users. Impacted systems exhibited blank search results that appeared functional but returned no data. Microsoft identified the root cause as a problematic server-side Bing update aimed at improving search performance and rolled back the change the same day. The fix is being gradually distributed to affected devices via Windows release health updates.

Timeline

  1. 08.04.2026 10:00 1 articles · 2h ago

    Server-side Bing update regression disrupts Windows 11 23H2 Start Menu search functionality

    On April 6, 2026, Microsoft deployed a server-side Bing update that introduced a regression causing Start Menu search results to display as blank but interactable on Windows 11 23H2 systems. Microsoft identified the issue within the same day, attributed it to the Bing update, and rolled back the change. The fix is automatically distributed to affected devices via Windows release health updates (WI1273488), with resolution expected as the rollout completes.

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Information Snippets

  • The Start Menu search issue affected only a small number of Windows 11 23H2 users beginning April 6, 2026.

    First reported: 08.04.2026 10:00
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Microsoft attributed the issue to a server-side Bing update designed to improve search performance and has since rolled back the update.

    First reported: 08.04.2026 10:00
    1 source, 1 article
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  • The regression caused Start Menu search results to display as blank but still appear clickable on affected devices.

    First reported: 08.04.2026 10:00
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Microsoft’s Windows release health update (WI1273488) confirmed the issue and provided mitigation guidance to affected users.

    First reported: 08.04.2026 10:00
    1 source, 1 article
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  • The fix is server-side and requires no user action beyond ensuring connectivity and enabling Web Search in Group Policy.

    First reported: 08.04.2026 10:00
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Microsoft previously resolved a separate Start Menu issue in November 2025 that caused Start Menu, File Explorer, and other system components to crash due to XAML package registration delays after cumulative updates.

    First reported: 08.04.2026 10:00
    1 source, 1 article
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