Fix: Search box or icon missing in Windows 10/Server

In Windows 10 or Server, we have search box shown on taskbar by default. If you remember, in earlier versions of Windows 10, we have search integrated with Cortana. And in those versions, you have only Cortana icon or box on taskbar. With Windows 10 Version 1903 or later, Cortana and search are independent and hence we’ve search box/icon in later versions. In this article, we will see how to fix, if search box or icon missing in Windows 10/Server.

As you can see in the screenshot above, neither search box nor search icon is visible on taskbar. So if you don’t know how to restore search box or icon on your taskbar, this article is for you. First of all, you must ensure these points:

• The taskbar should be located on bottom of display.
• You can only see search box/icon in main display.
• The search box/icon will not show, if you’re using small taskbar buttons.
• If main display resolution is below 1024×768, search box/icon won’t display.

To restore missing search box or icon, you can try either of the methods mentioned below as per your convenience.

Fix: Search box or icon missing in Windows 10/Server

FIX 1 – Using taskbar context menu

The easiest way to restore missing search box or icon is by using the taskbar context menu option. Simply right click on the taskbar and in the context menu appearing next, you will see a dedicated option for Search as shown below. When you hover the cursor over that Search entry, you’ll get small menu next to it. In that small menu, if Hidden is selected, you’ll not see search icon or box on taskbar. You can either click on Show search icon or Shown search box as per your requirement.

In case if you do not see the ‘Search’ entry in taskbar context menu, refer FIX 2 shared next here.

FIX 2 – Using Registry

1. Run regedit command to open Registry Editor. 

2. In Registry Editor window, go to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search

3. In the right pane of Search registry key, locate the registry DWORD (REG_DWORD) named SearchboxTaskbarMode which might be set to 0. Double click on it to change its Data.

4. Finally, set the Value data to 1 to show search icon or 2 to show search box. Click OK.

5. Close Registry Editor, restart Explorer and search box/icon should be restored on taskbar.

That’s it!

Read next: Can’t Type In Windows 10 Search Bar.