Microsoft is struggling to choose the best search button for Windows 11 customers. Initially, the operating system introduced a standard search icon on the taskbar, then Microsoft replaced it with a pill-shaped button (fake search box), then we got a proper search box in the Dev channel. If you’re not a fan of this nonsense and want a simple, no-frills search button, here’s how to restore the original version and get peace of mind (see how the old button compares to the new one in the screenshot below).

Professional tip: You can use the Win+S Shortcut to launch Windows Search (Microsoft now promotes the shortcut with ad-like banners) or just start typing when the Start menu is open. Both of these methods allow you to hide the entire button/search box design that Microsoft is currently testing and call it a day. Alternatively, go on Search PowerToys Run (Download PowerToys From the Microsoft Store, GitHuband winget), a far better alternative to the default Windows search.

Microsoft plans to let Windows 11 users switch between three Windows Search designs in the Settings app. The feature is now available to Windows Insiders in the Dev channel. Meanwhile, those using Windows 11 stable can use the ViveTool app to activate the old Windows search button.

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Caution: Back up your data before proceeding. We also recommend creating a system restore point, which will help you effortlessly restore your operating system if something unexpected happens.

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How to restore the old search button in Windows 11?

1. Download the Vivetool app from GitHub. This is a third-party program that we often use to enable or disable various features in Windows 11. Although we’ve never had any problems with Vivetool (besides the stability issues that some undeclared features can cause), you should always be aware of the potential risks of using third-party software A third for fiddling with your computer.
2. Extract the archive I downloaded to a convenient and easy-to-locate folder. You’ll need to navigate to the command prompt folder, so choose a short and simple location.
3. Right-click on the Start menu and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
4. Switch Windows Terminal to the command line profile by clicking Ctrl+Shift+2 or selecting it from the drop-down menu in the tab strip.
5. Navigate to the folder containing the ViveTool files extracted using the CD command. for example, CD C:\Vive.
6. Type vivetool /disable /id:42038001 and pressure to enter.
7. Close the Windows terminal and restart the computer.
8. Enjoy your taskbar without weird looking buttons and fake search boxes.

Do you like the pill-shaped Windows search button, or do you prefer the traditional version? Tell us in the comments.