Windows Search Box is missing from the taskbar- How to Fix

Are you experiencing the frustration of not being able to find the Windows search box on your taskbar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many Windows users encounter this issue, but fortunately, there are several solutions to get your search box back where it belongs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through six different methods to fix the missing Windows search box on your taskbar.

The Windows search bar is an essential tool for finding files, programs, and other items quickly. It’s frustrating when it goes missing, but fear not! We have six effective methods to help you restore the search box on your Windows taskbar.

Method 1: Make Sure the Search Bar is Not Hidden

One common reason for the missing search bar is that it may be hidden. To check if this is the case, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Cortana.”
2. Ensure that the “Show search box” option is checked.

If the search bar is hidden, enabling this option should bring it back. If not, let’s move on to the next method.

Method 2: Disable Tablet Mode

If you’re using a device with Tablet Mode enabled, the search bar may not be visible. To disable Tablet Mode and restore the search bar, follow these steps:

1. Open the Action Center by clicking on the icon in the bottom right corner of the screen or pressing the Windows key + A.
2. Click on “Tablet mode” to disable it.

Once Tablet Mode is disabled, check if the search bar reappears. If not, proceed to the next method.

Method 3: Disable the Use Small Taskbar Buttons Option

If you have selected the “Use small taskbar buttons” option, it may be causing the search bar to be hidden. To disable this option, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.”
2. Under the “Taskbar” section, toggle off the “Use small taskbar buttons” option.

After disabling this option, check if the search bar is now visible. If not, let’s try creating a new user account.

Method 4: Create a New User Account

Sometimes, the search bar may be missing due to a problem with your user account settings. Creating a new user account can help resolve this issue. Follow these steps to create a new user account:

1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I.
2. Click on “Accounts” and select “Family & other users” from the left sidebar.
3. Under the “Other users” section, click on “Add someone else to this PC.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account.
5. Log in to the new user account and check if the search bar is visible.

If the search bar is present in the new user account, you can transfer your files and settings to the new account or continue using the new account. If the search bar is still missing, let’s move on to the next method.

Method 5: Enable Search Bar by Editing Registry Editor

Editing the Registry Editor can help restore the search bar. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search
4. Look for the key named “SearchboxTaskbarMode” on the right side.
5. Double-click on the key and change its value from “0” to “1.”
6. Close the Registry Editor and check if the search bar is now visible.

If the search bar is still missing, let’s try disabling Cortana through the Registry Editor.

Method 6: Disable Cortana by Editing Registry Editor

Disabling Cortana can sometimes resolve the issue of a missing search bar. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing the Windows key + R, typing “regedit,” and pressing Enter.
2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search
3. Look for the key named “SearchboxTaskbarMode” on the right side.
4. Double-click on the key and change its value from “1” to “0.”
5. Close the Registry Editor and check if the search bar reappears.

Useful Suggestion

If none of the methods mentioned above work, you could try performing a system restore to a point before the search bar went missing. This will revert your system settings to a previous state and may resolve the issue.

Bottom Line

The missing Windows search bar can be a frustrating issue, but with these methods, you should be able to restore it to its rightful place on the taskbar. Remember to check for hidden settings, disable Tablet Mode, and make sure you have the correct taskbar settings. If all else fails, editing the Registry Editor or creating a new user account may do the trick. We hope these solutions have helped you regain access to the search bar and improve your Windows experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Windows search bar missing?

The search bar may be missing due to hidden settings, Tablet Mode being enabled, incorrect taskbar settings, or problems with the user account. It can also be caused by a bug in Windows updates.

How can I show the Windows search bar again?

You can show the Windows search bar again by checking the taskbar settings, disabling Tablet Mode, or editing the Registry Editor. Creating a new user account or performing a system restore may also help.

What should I do if none of the methods work?

If none of the methods mentioned in this article work, you could try performing a system restore to a point before the search bar went missing or seeking further assistance from technical support.

Remember, the Windows search bar is an essential tool for finding files, programs, and information quickly. We hope this guide has helped you resolve the issue and regain access to this valuable feature on your Windows taskbar.

Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.