Fix: Search Bar Missing From Windows 10 Taskbar

With Windows 10, Microsoft moved the search box from the Start to the taskbar. So in Windows 10, the search box appears right next to the Start button on the taskbar. In Windows 8 and earlier versions, the search box was on the Start menu.

The search box on the Windows 10 taskbar makes it easier to search not only for apps and files on your computer but also search the web for information.

If, for some reason, the search box is not showing up on your Windows 10 taskbar and you are unable to search your computer, here is how to add the search box back to the taskbar.

Add a search box to Windows 10 taskbar

Step 1: Perform a right-click on an empty spot on the taskbar, click/select Search and then select the Show search box option. Simple as that!

Add search icon to Windows 10 taskbar

Instead of the large search box, which takes up a good amount of space on the taskbar, you can replace the search box with a search icon. When you click on the search icon on the taskbar, it brings up the search flyout. Here is how to do that:

Step 1: Right-click on an empty spot on the taskbar, click Search and then select the Show search icon. This will remove the search box from the taskbar and add a search icon.

Search without the search box in Windows 10

Did you know that you do not need the search box or search icon to perform a search in Windows 10? Yes, you can search your Windows 10 computer and launch apps without using the search box on the taskbar.

All you need to do is open the Start menu and start typing. Yes, when the Start menu is open, if you start typing, the search flyout will show up.

We suggest you use this method and remove the search box from the taskbar to free up some valuable space on your Windows 10 taskbar.

Search using Windows + S keyboard shortcut in Windows 10/11

In the absence of the search box or search icon on the taskbar, you can use Windows + S hotkey to bring up the search flyout. This keyboard shortcut is handy as you do not need to open the Start menu as well. In fact, you can use this search keyboard shortcut even if the search box is present on the taskbar. This hotkey works well on the new Windows 11 as well.