How to Enable Desktop Search Box in Windows 11

This guide explains how to show or hide the search box on your Windows 11 desktop.

Some devices in the Microsoft Insider Preview program might show a search box on the desktop. This box lets you search the web directly from your screen. Microsoft uses this to test new, interactive features. Currently, this is only for devices in the Microsoft Insider Preview program.

Why use the desktop search box?

It acts as a shortcut. Instead of opening a browser, you can type your search terms right on your desktop. It uses Bing to find results for the web, your files, and other content quickly.

What happens when you are done?

Once you follow these steps, the search bar will either appear or disappear from your desktop background based on your choice. It does not change your system settings permanently.

How to show or hide the desktop search box

When the search box is turned on, your screen will look like this:

Follow these steps to manage the search bar. Note: This process does not require admin privileges.

1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop.
2. Select “Show more options” from the menu that pops up.

3. Click on “Show search” to toggle it on or off.

That is all you need to do!

Summary

• The desktop search box is a tool for quick web and file searching.
• It is currently limited to users in the Microsoft Insider Preview program.
• You can toggle the search box by right-clicking the desktop, choosing “Show more options,” and selecting “Show search.”