How to Fix Windows 10 Search Missing

If you're Windows 10 search bar or icon is missing or even changed, here are some simple steps you can try.

1: Windows 10 Search Missing - Right-Click Taskbar

Right-click on your Taskbar and click on Search. Confirm that Show search icon or Show search bar is checked.

2: Windows 10 Search Missing - Reset Taskbar

If you've made a lot of changes, you might try resetting your Taskbar.

Download Reset Taskbar Toolbars in Windows 7 and 10 and extract Reset Taskbar Toolbars.bat.

Right-click on Reset Taskbar Toolbars.bat and click on Run as administrator.

A command prompt window will briefly appear, followed by a screen flash.

The entire process should only take seconds to complete as compared to doing it manually.

This tweak is included as part of MajorGeeks Windows Tweaks.

3: Windows 10 Search Missing - Taskbar Settings

There are a couple of Taskbar settings to check if you use multiple monitors, moved your Taskbar, or use a smaller Taskbar.

Click on Start > Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.

If you're using a small Taskbar, the Search box won't appear. Uncheck Use small taskbar buttons

If you're using multiple monitors, make sure Show Taskbar on all displays is on. Speaking of multiple monitors, head to System > Display and click Identify. Pick, or confirm, the correct monitor is the main display.

Finally, if you've moved your Taskbar, the search box is only available when the Taskbar is at the bottom. Using Step 1, enable the Search icon.

3: Windows 10 Search Missing - System File Checker

If all else fails, run System File Checker.

Similar:

How to Delete and Rebuild the Windows 10 Search Index

How to Move the Windows 10 Search Box to the Top or Bottom

Enable or Disable Enhanced Mode for Windows Search

How to Customize the Windows 10 Taskbar

Get More Windows Screen Space With a Smaller Taskbar

How to Center Your Taskbar Icons in Windows 10

How to Change the Taskbar Location in Windows