Information
This policy setting configures the use of the search bar. The search bar is used to search the web from a user's desktop or from an application. The search bar provides a search box, powered by Edge default search engine, that shows web suggestions and opens all web searches in Microsoft Edge.
The search bar can be launched from the 'More tools' menu or jump list in Microsoft Edge.
The recommended state for this setting is: Disabled
Note: The option to enable the search bar at startup will be toggled on if the 'SearchbarIsEnabledOnStartup' (Allow the Search bar at Windows startup) policy is Enabled If the 'SearchbarIsEnabledOnStartup' is Disabled or not configured the option to enable the search bar at startup will be toggled off.
Allowing users to have the ability to search from their desktop or an application could lead to the user unintentionally pasting sensitive information in the search bar.
Solution
To establish the recommended configuration via GP, set the following UI path to Disabled :
Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Microsoft Edge\Enable the Search bar
Note: This Group Policy path may not exist by default. It is provided by the Group Policy template MSEdge.admx/adml that can be downloaded from Microsoft from
Download Edge for Business
.
Impact:
User's will not be able to use the search featured powered by Edge default search engine from a desktop or an application.