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How to Get the Windows 11 Old Search Button Back
Apply our quick procedure right away
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
There’s no denying that the Redmond tech giant is having a hard time picking the best search button forWindows 11 22H2users.
First, the latest operating system featured a standard-looking search icon on the taskbar, and Microsoftswappedit afterward with a pill-shaped button.
As if that wasn’t enough, we then received a proper search box through the Dev Channel, but many users are still struggling with these constant changes.
That being said, if you are not a fan of these back-and-forth changes and would rather have a simple, no-frills search button, we can show you how to restore the first version.
How can I restore the original Search button?
If you have decided to leave Windows 10 behind and move on to Windows 11, check out all thebugs and limitationsthis new version still has.
For the time being, note that you can use theWin+Sshortcut to trigger the Windows Search feature, which Microsoft now promotes the shortcut with ad-like banners.
Know that the Redmond tech company plans to let Windows 11 users switch between three Windows Search designs in the Settings app.
Keep in mind that this feature is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Dev channel, just so there’s no confusion.
However, people using stable Windows 11 can use the ViveTool app to enable the old Windows Search button.
Before we show you how to switch the Search appearance, back up your data and create a system restore point, which will help you effortlessly restore the operating system if something unexpected happens.
Also, consider downloading the ViVetool app fromGitHub, a third-party program frequently used to enable or disable various features in Windows 11.
After you’ve finished downloading and installing the ViVetool app, you will need to access the Command Prompt app with Administrator privileges.
Then, access the folder containing the extracted ViveTool files with the command we are about to show you:CD C:\Vive
Next, all you have to do is type in the following command, then press the Enter button on your keyboard:
vivetool /disable /id:42038001
The process is now done, and you can go ahead and restart your PC and enjoy the taskbar exactly how you envisioned it, with the Search button you desire.
Before you leave, find out how to useWindows 11 search effectivelyand find results much quicker.
Have you managed to perform the switch? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Windows 11 Software & Apps
Alexandru Poloboc
Tech Journalist
With an overpowering desire to always get to the bottom of things and uncover the truth, Alex spent most of his time working as a news reporter, anchor, as well as TV and radio entertainment show host.
A certified gadget freak, he always feels the need to surround himself with next-generation electronics.
When he is not working, he splits his free time between making music, gaming, playing football, basketball and taking his dogs on adventures.
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Alexandru Poloboc
Tech Journalist
With a desire to always get to the bottom of things and uncover the truth, Alex spent most of his time working as a news reporter.
