Recently, Microsoft launcher has started to give web search suggestions when I click on my home button and search for an app.
I only want to find apps, but in addition to installed app results the launcher now also gives internet search suggestions.
I want to disable that because I do not use it for that functionality. I guess this is MS's way of pushing Bing, but I still would like to disable it. Is that possible?
Microsoft did this in July last year. See this XDA blog Microsoft is abusing Android’s share sheet by inserting ads for its apps with reddit
and Android Police
links.
Microsoft is back to it's dirty tricks again, this time by inserting “Bing Search†option in the long-press context menu as reported in XDA in July, this year (annual schedule?) Microsoft Outlook is inserting Bing Search into Android's long-press menu. Also by Android Police
Find another launcher and uninstall Microsoft Launcher. Or change search engine in settings, if you want to continue using the launcher.
Uninstall Microsoft Edge. XDA blog says that launcher triggers these ads only when Edge is installed (but some users have reported in comments that they don't have Edge installed but get this Bing search).
Report to Play Store - use Report Inappropriate Apps. Play Store has a very aggressive policy wherein developers are not allowed to even link their own apps.This may cause app to be removed from Play Store
Related (app violations)
Is Android showing app ads in share menu now?
Is it allowed to offer incentives for 5 star ratings on the Google Play app store?
Q & A