How to Manage Microsoft Edge Desktop Search Bar in Windows 11
The Microsoft Edge desktop search bar is a floating widget in Windows 11 that lets you run web searches and open favorite websites directly from your desktop. It sits on your screen as a quick shortcut box powered by Bing, saving you from opening the full browser every time you need to look something up.
You can turn on this search bar , drag it anywhere on your screen, and pin it to the top of your apps for fast access. This guide shows you how to turn the widget on, move it around your desktop, and hide it when you no longer want it on your screen.
Access the Edge desktop search bar settings within the Edge browser. Open Edge, click the three-dot menu, select More tools, then Launch search bar to display it. You can close it or set it to auto-launch from its own three-dot menu.
Launch Edge Desktop Search Bar
Placing the Microsoft Edge search bar directly on the Windows 11 desktop enables quick web searches without launching the full browser. To make it appear, first open Microsoft Edge. Then, click the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser window and choose the search bar option.
Review the steps below to complete the setup.
First, open the Microsoft Edge browser.
Click the Settings and more button (represented by three horizontal dots, or press Alt+F) in the top-right corner. From the menu that appears, select More tools, then choose Launch search bar .
The Edge desktop search bar appears on screen.
If the search bar becomes hidden behind other windows, bringing it back to the front requires a specific keyboard shortcut.
Press the Win + Shift + F keys.
Close the desktop search bar
Hide the search bar when finished by clicking the three-dot menu directly on the widget. A small menu pops up, and selecting 'Close search bar' removes the tool from the screen.
To do that, click the Settings and more (3 dots) button on the desktop search bar. Then, click "Close search bar" on the context menu.
When prompted, click the Yes button to confirm.
Launch the Edge search bar at startup
Configure the Microsoft Edge search bar to open automatically upon turning on the computer. Click the three dots on the search bar widget and select 'Auto-launch search bar' so the tool opens whenever logging in.
To do that, click the Settings and more (3 dots) button on the desktop search bar. Then, select "Auto-launch search bar" from the text menu.
A check mark appears next to "Auto-launch search bar," indicating the feature is active. Clicking it again removes the check mark and disables auto-launch.
That completes the setup process.
Conclusion:
Managing this search bar helps streamline the daily workflow. Here are the main benefits:
- Easy Launching: You can quickly access the Edge search bar from your desktop, saving time when searching the web.
- Customizable Position: The search bar can be dragged anywhere on your desktop, allowing for personalized placement.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Use Win + Shift + F to bring the search bar to the front if it gets hidden.
- Simple Closing: Easily close the search bar when not in use via the context menu.
- Auto-launch Feature: Set the search bar to launch automatically at startup for consistent accessibility.
- User-Friendly: The interface is designed to be intuitive, making it easy for users to manage their search needs efficiently.
Overall, the Edge desktop search bar provides a convenient method for streamlining web searches directly from the desktop.
How do I change the search bar in Edge?
Go to Privacy, search, and services. Then, select Search and connected services, followed by Address bar and search. Finally, choose the preferred search engine from the Search engine used in the address bar menu.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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