There are built-in ways to get the Cortana equivalent search box feature, but if you want the old feature, you have little choice but to use a third-party application. Update: Before the Anniversary Update, you would be able to disable Cortana and get the classic search box back. However, this is no longer an option because Microsoft eliminated the toggle that was previously used to disable Cortana conventionally. If you’re struggling to get the conventional search box back, there are a few methods that other users in a similar situation have used to resolve the issue. Please follow the methods below in order until you come across a fix that is satisfactory in helping you get the search box back. But before moving on with the solutions, make sure your taskbar is located at the bottom of the screen.
Method 1: Enable the Search Bar From Cortana’s Settings
If the issue has appeared after an upgrade to Windows 10 or after installing a major update, the start bar was most likely hidden by a change in Cortana’s settings. This is typically encountered with users who are using desktop mode and is quite a regular occurrence after applying the Anniversary update. If this is the cause of the issue, you can get the search bar back by right-clicking on your taskbar, expanding the Cortana menu and clicking on the Show search bar. Keep in mind that if you’re using tablet mode, the search bar will not appear even if the Cortana menu is set to Show search bar. If this method didn’t enable you to get your search box back, continue down to Method 2.
Method 2: Disable the Tablet Mode
The search box in your taskbar might not be displayed because you are using Tablet mode. Tablet mode is a new Windows 10 feature that will automatically activate itself when if you detach a tablet from its dock. However, tablet mode is designed to use with a touchscreen. It will only allow you to run applications in full screen and you will have certain restrictions. Among other restrictions, the search box is not available during tablet mode. If you want to get your search box back, make sure that Tablet mode is disabled. The quickest way to do this is to open the notification tray menu and click on Table mode to disable it. Note: If you find that Tablet Mode automatically re-enables itself without your say so, you can configure it to remain disabled. To do this, Once Table mode is deactivated, you should regain the search box feature in your taskbar. If the search box is still not visible, continue down with Method 3.
Method 3: Disable the Use of Small Taskbar Buttons
Another popular reason why your taskbar no longer shows the search bar is because the Use of small taskbar buttons is enabled. Keep in mind that if the Use small taskbar buttons checkbox is enabled, the search box won’t be visible if you specifically enable it from Cortana’s settings. Here’s a quick guide on how to make sure you’re not using small taskbar buttons: If you’re still unable to use to see the search box in your taskbar, continue down with Method 4.
Method 4: Set Up a Local User
Microsoft decided to prevent users from disabling Cortana – the thing that is interfering with the classic search box. You can no longer disable the assistant from Cortana’s menu on PC’s that have already applied the Anniversary update. However, there is a way of disabling Cortana forcibly and get the old search box back. By setting up and using a local user with admin rights, you will ensure that Cortana will not replace the classic search bar. Cortana will only work as long as you are using a Microsoft account. Here’s a quick guide on creating a new local account: If this method doesn’t apply to your situation or you want to keep using a Microsoft account, continue with the next method below.
Method 5: Enable Search Box Via Registry Editor
You can also force the old search box to appear on your Taskbar by operating some changes using Registry Editor. By creating the SearchboxTaskbarMode value and setting the appropriate value, you can hide, unhide or replace the search box with the Cortana icon. Here’s a quick guide on how to enable the search box via Registry Editor: If this method wasn’t effective or you’re looking for a different approach, continue down with Method 6.
Method 6: Disable Cortana Via Registry Editor
If you want to keep using your Microsoft account, another workaround that will enable you to get the search box back into your taskbar is to operate a small Registry change that will disable Cortana. Keep in mind that with Cortana disabled, the old search bar behavior will be enforced as soon as you reboot your computer. Here’s a quick guide on how to disable Cortana via Registry Editor: Note: If you ever want to re-enable Cortana, simply return to the location of the AllowCortana value in Registry Editor and change the value to 1 or delete it altogether. If you’re looking for a different way of re-enabling the old search box behavior, move down to Method 6.
Method 7: Turn On Taskbar For All Displays
If you are using more than one display with your system, then, by default, the taskbar will not show for multiple displays. In that case, enabling the taskbar for multiple displays will bring out the Search Box on all displays and the problem will be solved.
Method 7: Use Start Is Back or Classic Shell
The fact of the matter is, the only way to get back a search box that is identical to the old search box is to use a third-para third-party solution. Classic Shell or Start Is Back are both great candidates that will enable you to return your start menu to the style that was featured on XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8. In addition to the aesthetic aspect, these programs will also implement the advanced search feature onto a taskbar next to the start menu (but not in it). Most users agree that Start Is Back is more stable and more efficient than Classic Shell, but the disadvantage is that it’s only available for a free trial and becomes paid after a short while. Here’s a quick guide on installing Start Is Back: If you want to avoid paying any money, you can use Classic Shell instead, but make sure to download the latest version available to avoid any incompatibilities with the latest Windows 10 updates. Here’s a quick guide on how to install Classic Shell:
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