To get the Windows 10 search bar on Windows 11, install ExplorerPatcher from its GitHub page and configure it to use Windows 10 taskbar style. The search box will then appear in the taskbar just like it did in Windows 10.
Quick Steps:
- Search for “ExplorerPatcher” on Google and open the GitHub page
- Click the “Releases” tab and download the latest
.exefile - Run the downloaded file and allow it to install
- Right-click the taskbar and select “Properties”
- Set taskbar style to “Windows 10” and search to “Show search box”
- Go to Start Menu tab, set style to “Windows 10” and position to “At screen edge”
- Click “Restart File Explorer”
Why Windows 11 Removed the Classic Search Bar
When Microsoft redesigned Windows 11, they centered the taskbar icons and changed the search interface to a floating search panel. This new design looks modern, but it doesn’t work the same way as the Windows 10 search bar that many of us got used to over the years.
I spent years running a computer repair business, and during that time I set up hundreds of computers. One thing I noticed consistently was that people preferred the Windows 10 search bar because it was always visible and easy to click. The Windows 11 search icon requires an extra click and opens a centered panel, which feels less intuitive if you’re coming from Windows 10.
ExplorerPatcher brings back that familiar experience. It’s a free, open-source tool that restores classic Windows features without modifying core system files, which means it’s safe to use and easy to uninstall if you change your mind later.
Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Download ExplorerPatcher from GitHub
Open your web browser and search for “ExplorerPatcher.” Click on the GitHub result that appears at the top. Once you’re on the GitHub page, look for the “Releases” section on the right side of the page and click it.
Find the latest version and download the .exe file. It should be named something like “ep_setup.exe” or similar. The file is small and downloads quickly.
Step 2: Install ExplorerPatcher
Once the download finishes, click on the file to run it. You might see a User Account Control prompt asking if you want to allow the app to make changes to your device—click “Yes” to continue.
ExplorerPatcher installs automatically without showing a traditional setup wizard. Your taskbar and desktop icons will disappear briefly while it’s installing. When everything reappears, the installation is complete.
Step 3: Access ExplorerPatcher Properties
Right-click on an empty space on your taskbar. You should now see a “Properties” option in the context menu—this is how you know ExplorerPatcher installed successfully. Click “Properties” to open the configuration window.
If you don’t see the Properties option, ExplorerPatcher didn’t install correctly. Try running the installer again or restarting your computer.
Step 4: Configure the Taskbar Settings
In the Properties window, click on the “Taskbar” tab. Find the “Taskbar style” dropdown and change it to “Windows 10” if it isn’t already selected. This brings back the Windows 10 taskbar layout that positions icons on the left side of the screen.
Next, look for the “Search” setting and change it to “Show search box.” This replaces the Windows 11 search icon with the full search bar from Windows 10.
Step 5: Fix the Start Menu Position
If the search results still open in the center of your screen after making those changes, you need to adjust one more setting. Click on the “Start Menu” tab in the Properties window.
Change “Start menu style” to “Windows 10” and set “Position on screen” to “At screen edge.” These settings ensure the search opens at the bottom of the screen like it did in Windows 10, rather than floating in the center.
Step 6: Apply the Changes
Click the “Restart File Explorer” button at the bottom of the Properties window. Your taskbar will refresh, and when it comes back, you’ll see the Windows 10 search bar exactly where it should be.
The changes apply immediately, and you can start using the search bar just like you did on Windows 10.
Other Windows 10 Features You Can Restore
ExplorerPatcher doesn’t just bring back the search bar—it can restore several other Windows 10 features that Microsoft removed or changed in Windows 11. You can also bring back the Windows 10 right-click menu, which shows all options immediately instead of hiding them behind “Show more options.”
The tool also lets you move the taskbar to different edges of the screen, something Windows 11 removed completely. You can customize the system tray, adjust the Start menu behavior, and even change how the Alt+Tab switcher looks.
If you want a more comprehensive Windows customization solution that doesn’t require third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher, check out Winhance, my Windows enhancement utility that lets you tweak dozens of settings, remove bloatware, and customize your Windows experience all from one application.
Common Issues & Solutions
Problem: Properties option doesn’t appear when right-clicking the taskbar
Solution: ExplorerPatcher didn’t install correctly. Download the file again and run it as administrator by right-clicking the .exe file and selecting “Run as administrator.” Restart your computer after installation.
Problem: Search bar appears but search still opens in the center
Solution: Go to the Start Menu tab in ExplorerPatcher Properties and change both the Start menu style to “Windows 10” and the position to “At screen edge.” Restart File Explorer to apply the changes.
Problem: Taskbar becomes unresponsive after installing ExplorerPatcher
Solution: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, find “Windows Explorer” in the list, right-click it, and select “Restart.” This refreshes the taskbar without restarting your computer.
Problem: ExplorerPatcher stops working after a Windows update
Solution: ExplorerPatcher usually survives Windows updates, but major feature updates sometimes break it temporarily. Download and install the latest version from the GitHub releases page to restore functionality.
FAQ
Is ExplorerPatcher safe to use?
Yes, ExplorerPatcher is completely safe. It’s open-source, which means anyone can review the code to verify it doesn’t contain malware or unwanted behavior. The tool modifies Windows Explorer behavior without changing core system files, so it won’t damage your operating system.
Does ExplorerPatcher slow down my computer?
No, ExplorerPatcher has minimal performance impact. It runs as part of Windows Explorer and uses very little system resources. I’ve installed it on hundreds of computers during my time running a computer repair business, and I never noticed any slowdowns.
Can I uninstall ExplorerPatcher if I don’t like it?
Yes, you can uninstall it easily. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find “ExplorerPatcher” in the list, click the three dots, and select “Uninstall.” Your taskbar will return to the default Windows 11 appearance immediately.
Will Windows updates remove ExplorerPatcher?
Usually no. ExplorerPatcher survives most Windows updates without issues. Major feature updates might temporarily break compatibility, but the developer updates the tool quickly when this happens. Just download the latest version from GitHub if it stops working after an update.
Can I use the Windows 10 search bar and keep the Windows 11 Start menu?
Yes, but the search functionality works best when both are set to Windows 10 style. If you keep the Windows 11 Start menu while using the Windows 10 search bar, the search results might open in the center of the screen instead of at the bottom where the search bar is located.
