Windows 11 Build 25252 - Search Box, Taskbar Updates, Fullscreen Widgets + MORE 

Love that you hide that icon altogether. I'm the same. Just hit the Windows Key on your keyboard and start typing. Even faster since you don't need to take your hands off the keyboard.

They re-integrated search into Start. What an idea! Being respectful, that does look like a genuine improvement visually.

That search box on top of windows is the greatest thing since sliced bread. A lot of iOS apps have it (iirc it started with tweetbot back in the day) and it makes so much sense. Searching is such a novice and power user friendly way to go about things and literally putting it front and center is such an obvious and great usability move.

Very glad to see the search icon option back. The search button is ridiculous. It's just the search icon, but three times the length for no reason.

Is it just me or has Windows become... more and more conservative since 2015? I know Windows 8 had a lot of issues but it brought a lot of innovative features/UX we've never seen before, especially for tablets (which are practically gone now). W11 doesn't feel like its pushing any boundaries other than pushing Bing/ads even more.

Love that the finally listened and implemented this changes, which is one of the long suggested I had through Feedback Hub. Having Search UI inside the Start menu is most logical sense since there is really no point having separate flyout for it since the Cortana being killed off. And that animation do need refinement but it is on the right direction, unlike the current release of Windows 11 which feels unfinished at best. Though interesting that Microsoft didn't just gone with re-using/integrating the current Search UI inside Start menu, instead it went for more focused and minimalist search which I do prefer. Which may improve the snappiness of the search unlike the current one with Bing. So it seems the existing Search UI will be just a glorified Bing Search integrated to Windows now, at least this may be their approach now. Interesting since on the other hand, Microsoft have been way more aggressive lately on pushing Bing interaction on Windows. The proper Search text-field is also another positive change, since it make sense to have that instead which introduce one less click to search than two interaction with current one (for mouse centric users). It also use rounded cornered text box which is consistent to the W11 design than the pill-shaped which is an odd addition since it is not even a real text field and also not consistent with Windows 11 standard UI elements. Though like I said in the past, the Search bar is more suited for left-aligned Taskbar, since it is still weird on centered one. But at least user have options now whatever suited their needs. Unlike currently it is all or nothing. Bringing back the Search icon is a welcome back which is suited perfectly for centered Taskbar. Tablet mode in Windows 11 still needs further refinement, its good for what they are doing now but the lack of window behavior to make all apps maximized (for those who can) as default while using as a tablet. Then automatically snap another app if user say open a link from another app. The auto-snap feature is missing on Windows 11 which was a thing with Windows 8.X and Windows 10 Tablet Mode, heck this is how Surface Duo and Surface Neo (W10X) came about. Yes, it maximized apps automatically on 10 inches tablet but considering majority of Windows tablets are at least 11-12 inches. This is rather "invisible" feature, and still not as great as the previous version of Windows which still better in this tablet-behaviour UX. Running apps on windowed mode on tablets that are generally small and more likely going to be constantly rotate its orientation, windowed app is poorly adapted to this use case and more clunky moving around windows or maximizing it manually.

I miss widgets being integrated into start (live tiles) or on desktop. Having it be an entirely independent panel feels so jank

The Windows button for search is default for myself too. And if they wanted to have bigger search bar/icon, IMO it would make more sense putting it on the left after the Widgets button.

I just really hope that the functionalities of Windows 10 will be brought back here in Windows 11. It just annoys me and hinders me to upgrade when the OS focuses more on nonsense aesthetics rather than functionality.

if you are gonna have search as a whole separate thing from the start menu I actually prefer it to be a text box rather than a buttom so that you can somehow justify why it's taking that space from my taskbar... (yes, I know I can simply disable that from taskbar, but it´s good to see they are adding that many options)

Why still no automatic dark mode during the night and light in the day based on sunrise/sunset data? Every OS has this feature.

I hope one day they allow you to remove recommended section in the start menu

I used to have the search icon there, but then they made it so big for no reason! You can't type in it, just a wide button. Mind baffling they thought that was a good idea. Just turned it off. I mostly just use "PowerToys Run", which is similar to Mac's Spotlight. Just click CMD + Space to get up a search bar and find whatever I'm looking for.

2:56 I used to hate how it switches between start menu and search. I'm glad they integrated it.

this is the real win 11 update we all needed

Windows 11 is starting to seem more and more enticing to update

Enjoy giving you details to microsoft

Doing the happy dance for search icon being back. Although I search from the start menu more often than not.

I hope they realize dark mode only reduces energy usage on OLED panels. On LCD panels it's the exact opposite - liquid crystals need voltage to block the light.

The tray gesture now is to hold the icon and let go on top of the arrow, you can't drag to its place which is a let down

I'd prefer the search icon (or nothing) tho. More space for other stuffs. Search icon/bar is for ppl who don't know the feature I guess. Once you know you can just Win key->search, you'd prob just hide it.

The Start-to-Search animation on Windows 10 RTM was amazing and search was miles better in both performance and intelligence. It started going downhill when Microsoft decided to make the Search into an app with a browser window.

The new re-integrated Search into Start seems to be less focused on web results but prioritizes local files, apps, and settings instead. I think they're turning the separated Search flyout into a web search engine without being too obvious because it's Bing.

The best feature about the Search icon was actually being able to access recent searches and apps when you hover over it with your mouse. You can’t do that on the Start button.

Not sure why we need a search bar. You click on it anyway. You can click on start too and start typing immediately. May be just more obvious for casual users to know where to search from... At least the Search bar could be shrunk 2/5s.

can we get the ability to change the taskbar location again without playing with the roots settings?? i don't know why they removed that tbh

Switched to MacOS 4 months ago and I’ve regretted it ever since. Windows 11 is so far ahead but the only thing apple does better is ARM integration

I wish the way the Taskbar hides in Tablet-Mode was an option for non-touch users. I like to keep my Taskbar hidden for more screen space on my laptop, but being able to still see the system icons would be great.

i like the windows 10 search box i miss it now i dont has move my head up a bit to see the text now its back soon it feel like im on win 10

我挺喜欢搜索框的，看起来很好看

I love it yes but so many ppl I meet on a regular basis have NO idea search can happen on the start menu and seriously some ppl don't know about the start menu button on Taskbar or keyboard for some reason as though they were hidden in a cave for decades 😓

The search icon/box in the taskbar is quite possibly the most reduntant thing in both Windows 10 and 11. It takes a click to start it and it'll open the Start Menu regardless. So why wouldn't one just use the Start Button and start typing right away?

Please MS don't add any clutter on the new search integration, It looks so good, no online searches just pure file & app search within the system and no split sections like it is on the old UI

Why I'm not seeing the news from bing on the right side inside the start bar? When I click the windows button to open the start bar on my PC I don't get those visuals.

I was tried plasma based Linux distros then I realized each features that Microsoft brings to its windows os is already present there.. Now I m full time Linux user..

the search button is just bloat version of the integrated search in the start button

Is there a way to get tablet mode on a Laptop Studio when you are in tent mode? currently it never seems to be an option but when I am in tent mode I am just using touch screen so tablet mode would be nice to have when not in laptop mode.

Finally, someone else who hides the search icon for that reason

Looks like still no taskbar on top option. Regedit doesn't work anymore as the value resets after explorer restarts. Start11 does the job for now, but it's extra expense. I know for many this is not a requirement but for me it's an necessary option still missing after a year. Especially on surface pro 9, which I mostly use as tablet, reaching bottom of the screen is not ergonomic as it is often on my lap.

THIS IS WHAT WE ALL NEED. FINALLY MICROSOFT DID THIS!

Not sure why the smooth transition from Start to search was scrapped.

Why does the search box not show on my laptop even when i choose the search box? Only the icon shows

I would prefer to have the search bar opened just by typing while you’re on the desktop and have an icon available when you’re on a program

I miss Windows 8.1

i think search menu when search box option enabled should centered too

The fact that the Start Menu is off-center, when using the new Search Text box, is bothering me a lot

You should upload more

Win 11 is still buggy After 5 days of usage, startmenu searchbar didn't work. 2-2.5sec lag when click on start menu. Just annoying everywhere. Hence, Got back to win 10

I wished if the new search box was rounded and be able to type within in.

What’s the point in a separate search box or icon of the search is integrated into the start menu?

Does anyone know how to enable the new search integration animation in the start menu? I still have the old one and would love to get rid of the search icon.

@windowacentral I'm facing a really specific issue with windows 11 22h2 from the past year it would be great if you could check this issue out and cover it as it is a pretty major issue

Your videos need to include Chapters otherwise it's a pain to search for each topic.

They should add the opinions for the taskbar to ‘NEVER’ Cascade programmes. Why it was never put into win 11 is beyond.

Which laptop Do you use

0:51 it's better if it stays in the middle like another settings,not like this

Since win 11 arrived, Mc-rosoft : I'm hating it ...

they should call this update "the search"

I have a problem with the search box. When i go to settings and select search box it only shows the icon, not the box. There are multiple options: Hide, Search icon only, Search box, Search button. Search buttons does the button with text and stuff, hide hides the icon and integrates it into the start menu, icon only uses the regular icon, but search box does the same thing as Search icon only. Any help? I think its some velocity keys with vivetool

my search bar interface does not change . i am on latest dev same as you

I don't see the option to change the search box, its just the toggle switch and i can't seem to display seconds in tray clock, I wonder why that is, i'm on build 25252.1000 branch rs_prerelease, it might have something to do with my edition? Windows 11 Pro For Workstations Insider Preview

link for wallp ? 😄

it is great step forward animation speaking. But the animations still so quick. we cannot feel it

I need BUILT-IN customizable tiles like win 10, then I will boost to win 11. It matters to my productivity.

Just use [ windows key + S ] , why waste task bar space?

How to upgrade

how to enable that?

I dont know why this search button (or widget) made. Just press WINdows key and type any you want so research.

They now rounded it too. :(

Still no taskbar to top, guess i still use start 11 then. S o much better.

a Search bar widget on the desktop is way more better

I will never use windows search untill they give me option to change search engine to google or something else

i use arch btw

at this time I don't understand why widgets still doesn't support third party just like windows vista/7 back then. instead of features, it feels more like Microsoft is just doing that for "growth hack" of the Microsoft Start rather than pure community features :(

I kind of dislike the new search box. First of all the if the Menu is in the center of the taskbar it takes huge space without any reason. Secondly, it's looks ugly and doesn't go with Windows 11 rounded style because it's more boxy. But really hat's off to the team for those subtle animations everywhere, it really brings in a premium OS feel.

I seriously think they pushed the search "button" to the public by accident. It's horrendous and that's the only explanation other than sabatoge

Is windows 11 still a downgrade from 10?

Still no battery percentage text beside the battery icon in the taskbar? Why no one points this out at Microsoft? Microsoft engineers are just stupid clowns. I just can't take this anymore. Mac and Linux distros have native battery percentage text from the beginning. Why aren't morons at Microsoft including this? Battery percentage became a massive issue for iOS 16 but no one talks about this on a DESKTOP OS! disgusting. Windows 8 came, Windows 10 came and now Window 11! Gross.

Windows is a big mess of an OS which they have been trying to fix for decades. I moved to MacOS last year and I'm much happier. It's a consistent modern operations system, new feature updates are clearly labeled with names and everything works as expected. Meanwhile Microsoft keeps changing everything all the time. They introduce new features which they scrap only a few months later and end up reintroducing it in a later update just to cancel it again. I feel like no one at Microsoft ever sat down and thought Windows through. It just feels like a Work In Progress project that's never finished and solid.

First!

start menu in center is dumbest thing

The search bar is so long and ugly WHY

Why are they still keeping the shortcut icon on the icons on desktop? i really hate that little icon smh

You sound like a cartoon character from Family Guy.

This is going to sound unreasonable to many, but I'm an IT dinosaur (used to build XTs)....the ONE thing I want to change in Windows....is the use of the word APP. I want to change it back to PROGRAM. This idea of the PC, phone, tablet etc all being the same thing, complete rubbish in my opinion. I'm not interested in what people think of what I want, but if anyone can show me how to make it happen (even if it involved modding Windows)?....

Continues to laugh in Linux.

Yeah that "Search button" was the most useless change ever. Either have a functional bar, or just an icon. Stop wasting my space. They let us resize the widgets screen but not the start menu!? Aaaaaagh. So backwards.

WTF IS THAT SEARCH BOX

Look how they insist on stuffing us with web based UI just to cut development costs. What a lazy company. And i thought widget panel just lag on my potato notebook when i start scrolling down even it did in this video. Just another low performance web based apps again, thanks stingy Microsoft.

Eww search bar.

Windows spyware edition the worst os ever.!!!

Nice customization for the search wow 🤌

what a trash OS !! they add many things that il never use it !!