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How To Add Search Bar In Windows 8

When it comes to navigating through the features of Windows 8, having a search bar can greatly enhance your productivity and efficiency. Did you know that adding a search bar in Windows 8 can save you valuable time and make it easier to find files, programs, and settings?

To add a search bar in Windows 8, you can follow these simple steps. First, right-click on the taskbar and select "Toolbars" from the context menu. Then, click on "Windows Search" to add the search bar to your taskbar. This will allow you to quickly type in your search queries and find what you need without having to navigate through multiple menus or folders. By having a search bar at your fingertips, you can streamline your workflow and boost your productivity in Windows 8.



How To Add Search Bar In Windows 8

Customizing the Windows 8 Search Bar

Windows 8 introduced a new and improved Search Bar feature that allows users to quickly and easily search for files, documents, applications, and settings on their computers. While the default search bar in Windows 8 is functional, there are several ways you can customize it to enhance your search experience. In this guide, we will explore how to add a search bar in Windows 8 and customize its appearance and functionality.

Method 1: Adding the Search Bar to the Taskbar

The easiest way to add a search bar to your Windows 8 desktop is by adding it to the taskbar. Here's how:

  • Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
  • Select "Search" from the context menu.
  • A search bar will appear on the taskbar, next to the Start button.
  • Click on the search bar to start searching.

Customizing the Taskbar Search

You can customize the appearance and functionality of the search bar on the taskbar by following these steps:

  • Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
  • Select "Search" from the context menu.
  • Click on "Show search icon" to display only an icon instead of a full search bar.
  • Click on "Hidden" to completely hide the search bar.
  • Choose "Show search box" to display a search box that expands when clicked.

Method 2: Adding a Search Bar to the Desktop

If you prefer to have a dedicated search bar on your desktop, you can add it by following these steps:

  • Right-click on an empty space on the desktop.
  • Select "New" from the context menu.
  • Choose "Toolbar" from the submenu.
  • In the "Folder" field, enter the following path: %windir%\explorer.exe search-ms:
  • Click on "Select Folder" to add the search bar to your desktop.

Customizing the Desktop Search Bar

You can customize the appearance and functionality of the search bar on your desktop by following these steps:

  • Right-click on an empty space on the desktop search bar.
  • Select "Properties" from the context menu.
  • In the "Toolbar Properties" window, you can customize the appearance, size, and behavior of the search bar.

Adding Third-Party Search Bar Apps

In addition to the built-in search bar options in Windows 8, you can also explore third-party apps that offer more advanced search features and customization options. Here are a few popular search bar apps:

App Name Features
Everything Ultra-fast search, file indexing, and advanced search filters.
Wox Extensible launcher with search bar and custom commands.
Launchy Search bar, calculator, web search, and more.
Copernic Desktop Search Email search, document search, and file indexing.

Search bar apps like these can provide additional functionalities, such as faster search speeds, advanced filtering options, and integration with other apps and services. Explore these apps and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Boost Your Windows 8 Search Experience

Adding a search bar to your Windows 8 desktop can greatly enhance your productivity and efficiency when searching for files, applications, and settings. Whether you choose to use the built-in options or explore third-party search bar apps, customizing your search experience allows you to tailor it to your specific needs and preferences. Take advantage of these customization options and boost your Windows 8 search experience today!


How To Add Search Bar In Windows 8

Adding a Search Bar in Windows 8

If you're using Windows 8 and would like to add a search bar to your desktop, here are a few methods:

Method 1: Using the Start Menu

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select "Properties."

2. In the "Taskbar and Start Menu Properties" window, go to the "Navigation" tab.

3. Under the "Start screen" section, check the box that says "Show the Apps view automatically when I go to Start."

4. Click "Apply" and then "OK."

Method 2: Using a Third-Party Application

1. Download and install a third-party application that adds a search bar to your desktop, such as Classic Shell or OpenShell.

2. Once installed, configure the settings to enable the search bar on your taskbar.


Key Takeaways: How to Add Search Bar in Windows 8

  • The search bar in Windows 8 allows you to quickly search for files, folders, apps, and settings.
  • To add the search bar, right-click on the taskbar and select "Toolbars" from the context menu.
  • Click on the "Address" option to add the search bar to your taskbar.
  • The search bar will now appear on your taskbar, allowing you to easily search for anything on your computer.
  • You can customize the search bar by right-clicking on it and selecting "Search" from the context menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking to add a search bar to your Windows 8 desktop? Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers to help you get started.

1. How do I add a search bar to my Windows 8 desktop?

To add a search bar to your Windows 8 desktop, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen and select "Toolbars" from the context menu.

2. In the toolbars menu, click on "Address" to add a search bar to your desktop.

3. The search bar will now appear on your desktop, allowing you to search your files and folders quickly and easily.

2. Can I customize the search bar in Windows 8?

Yes, you can customize the search bar in Windows 8 to better suit your needs. Here's how:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select "Toolbars" once again.

2. Click on "Address" to open the search bar settings.

3. In the search bar settings, you can choose to display the search box only or include other options like a search icon or a drop-down menu for different search engines.

4. Once you have made your desired changes, click "Apply" to save the settings.

3. How do I pin the search bar to the taskbar in Windows 8?

If you prefer to have quick access to the search bar directly on your taskbar, here's how you can pin it:

1. Right-click on the existing search bar on your desktop.

2. Select "Pin to Taskbar" from the context menu.

3. The search bar will now be permanently pinned to your taskbar for easy access.

4. Can I remove the search bar from my Windows 8 desktop?

If you no longer need the search bar on your Windows 8 desktop, you can remove it with these steps:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select "Toolbars."

2. In the toolbars menu, uncheck "Address" to remove the search bar from your desktop.

3. The search bar will no longer appear on your desktop.

5. Is there an alternative way to search for files and folders in Windows 8 without using the search bar?

Yes, there are alternative ways to search for files and folders in Windows 8:

1. Use the search function in the File Explorer. Open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E, then type your search query in the search bar at the top right corner of the window.

2. Use the Start menu search. Press the Windows key and start typing your search query. Windows will display matching results in real-time as you type.

These alternative methods provide convenient ways to search for files and folders without the need for a separate search bar on your desktop.



Adding a search bar in Windows 8 can greatly enhance your productivity and make it easier to find files, apps, and settings on your computer. By following a few simple steps, you can customize your desktop to include a search bar that is always accessible and ready to help you find what you need. Whether you're a novice or an experienced Windows user, adding a search bar in Windows 8 is a quick and straightforward process.

To add a search bar in Windows 8, simply right-click on the taskbar and select "Toolbars" from the context menu. Then, choose the "Address" option from the submenu. This will add a search bar to the right side of your taskbar, where you can type in your search queries. You can also resize the search bar by clicking and dragging the edges to make it more suitable for your desktop. With the search bar added, you can now easily search for files, folders, apps, and even perform web searches directly from your desktop. It's a convenient feature that can save you time and effort in finding what you're looking for.


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