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To remove the legacy Search link from the Windows Start menu with Intune, configure the user-scoped ADMX_StartMenu/NoFind policy using its SyncML-backed MDM setting. This is a narrow change: it removes the Search item and affects some search shortcuts, but it does not hide the search box in the modern Start menu. For that broader result, Microsoft documents a separate device-scoped policy, Search/DisableSearch.
Use NoFind to remove the legacy Search link
Microsoft’s Policy CSP identifies the setting as Remove Search link from Start Menu. Its MDM URI is ./User/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/ADMX_StartMenu/NoFind, so the setting is user-scoped rather than device-scoped. It is an ADMX-backed policy, and Microsoft says it must be configured in SyncML format. Microsoft: ADMX_StartMenu Policy CSP
The corresponding Group Policy setting is under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar > Remove Search link from Start Menu. It maps to SoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesExplorer, with the value name NoFind, in StartMenu.admx. Microsoft: ADMX_StartMenu Policy CSP
Microsoft documents the policy and its MDM URI, but the cited Intune references do not establish a current Intune admin-center blade or click path for configuring this exact ADMX-backed setting. Do not assume it appears as a standard device-restriction control; use an Intune configuration method that can deliver the required SyncML setting, and validate it against current Microsoft guidance for your tenant.
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What enabling NoFind changes—and what remains
Enabling NoFind removes the Search item from the Start menu and its right-click context menu. It also disables some specific search interactions: Windows logo key+F does not respond, and F3 is affected. In File Explorer, Search remains on the Standard buttons toolbar, but Ctrl+F does not respond and Search is absent from a drive or folder’s context menu. Microsoft: ADMX_StartMenu Policy CSP
Crucially, Microsoft explicitly notes that NoFind “doesn’t remove the search box from the new style Start menu.” It also does not affect Internet Explorer or prevent users from searching through other methods. Microsoft: ADMX_StartMenu Policy CSP
Choose DisableSearch if the goal is to hide Search UI broadly
If the requirement is to hide the modern Start search box and taskbar Search buttons, NoFind is the wrong policy. Microsoft’s separate DisableSearch setting disables Search UI entry points, including keyboard shortcuts, touchpad gestures, and type-to-search in Start. Its CSP path is ./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Search/DisableSearch, making it device-scoped. Microsoft: Start Policy CSP
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| Policy | Scope and CSP path | Documented effect |
|---|---|---|
| NoFind | User; ./User/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/ADMX_StartMenu/NoFind |
Removes the legacy Start Search item and affects specified shortcuts and context-menu entries; keeps the modern Start search box. |
| DisableSearch | Device; ./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Search/DisableSearch |
Disables Search UI entry points and hides the Start search box and taskbar Search buttons. |
These settings address different scopes and visible outcomes; choose according to whether you need to remove one legacy menu item or suppress Search UI more widely. Microsoft: ADMX_StartMenu Policy CSP Microsoft: Start Policy CSP
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Check Windows edition and version support
Microsoft lists NoFind support for Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise / IoT Enterprise LTSC editions, with these minimum documented releases:
- Windows 10 version 2004 with KB5005101, build 19041.1202, or later.
- Windows 10 version 20H2 with KB5005101, build 19042.1202, or later.
- Windows 10 version 21H1 with KB5005101, build 19043.1202, or later.
- Windows 11 version 21H2, build 22000, or later.
Because Microsoft’s published support matrix can change as Windows releases evolve, verify the current CSP page against the actual edition and build in your managed estate before deployment. Microsoft: ADMX_StartMenu Policy CSP
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How Intune fits into the policy configuration
Microsoft describes configuration service providers as mechanisms commonly used by MDM solutions such as Intune to manage Windows settings. Its Intune Windows device-restriction reference says the Start settings use the Start Policy CSP. Those references explain the MDM relationship, but do not document a portal workflow for this specific NoFind setting; avoid relying on an assumed menu location. Microsoft: ADMX_StartMenu Policy CSP Microsoft: Windows device restrictions reference
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