How to Add a Windows 10 Style Search Box to Windows 7/8.1 Taskbar
How to Get the Windows 10 Search Bar on Windows 7
If you are still using Windows 7, you might be missing out on some of the features that Windows 10 has to offer. One of them is the Windows 10 search bar, which is a powerful and flexible tool that allows you to find anything on your PC and on the web. The Windows 10 search bar can also integrate with Cortana, the personal digital assistant, and provide you with quick access to online information, such as weather, time zones, conversions, facts, and more.
windows 10 search bar download for windows 7
But don't worry, you don't have to upgrade to Windows 10 to enjoy the benefits of the Windows 10 search bar. In this article, we will show you how to add the Windows 10 search bar to Windows 7 using different methods. Whether you want a simple and lightweight solution or a feature-rich and customizable one, we have got you covered.
Method 1: Using PowerToys
One of the easiest ways to get the Windows 10 search bar on Windows 7 is to use PowerToys, a free collection of Windows utilities from Microsoft. PowerToys includes a module called PowerToys Run, which is a fast and convenient search tool that can be activated by pressing Alt+Space. With PowerToys Run, you can search for applications, files, folders, settings, web results, and more from anywhere in Windows.
What is PowerToys and how to install it
PowerToys is a set of tools that enhance the functionality and usability of Windows. It was originally created for Windows 95, but Microsoft revived it for Windows 10 in 2019. Some of the features that PowerToys offers are:
FancyZones: A window manager that lets you create custom layouts for your desktop.
File Explorer Preview: A preview pane that shows more information about files, such as Markdown files, SVG files, JSON files, etc.
Image Resizer: A context menu option that lets you resize images quickly and easily.
Keyboard Manager: A tool that lets you remap keys and shortcuts on your keyboard.
PowerRename: A context menu option that lets you rename multiple files using advanced options.
PowerToys Run: A search tool that lets you find anything on your PC and on the web.
Shortcut Guide: A tool that shows you all the available keyboard shortcuts when you press the Windows key.
To install PowerToys on Windows 7, you need to download it from . You can choose between a stable version or an experimental version. The stable version has fewer bugs and issues, but the experimental version has more features and updates. Once you download the installer file, run it and follow the instructions. After installation, you will see a PowerToys icon in your system tray.
How to enable PowerToys Run and use it as a search bar
To enable PowerToys Run, right-click on the PowerToys icon in your system tray and select Settings. In the PowerToys Settings window, select PowerTo ys Run from the left sidebar and toggle the switch to On. You can also customize the appearance and behavior of PowerToys Run, such as the theme, position, opacity, and plugins.
How to add Windows 10 like taskbar search box to Windows 7/8.1
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How to use Bing Maps Search to find directions, traffic, and nearby places related to your search query
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How to use Bing Calculator, Converter, and Math Solver features in the answer box
How to use Bing Translator feature in the answer box or toolbar
How to use Bing Weather feature in the answer box or toolbar
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To use PowerToys Run as a search bar, press Alt+Space on your keyboard. You will see a small window pop up on your screen. Type in anything you want to search for and press Enter. You will see a list of results that match your query. You can use the arrow keys to navigate through the results and press Enter to open the selected result. You can also use some prefixes to narrow down your search, such as:
= for calculations
? for web results
. for file extensions
// for file paths
@ for running processes
! for shell commands
For example, if you want to search for a PDF file on your PC, you can type .pdf in PowerToys Run and see all the PDF files on your PC. If you want to search for the weather in New York, you can type ?weather New York and see the web results from Bing.
Pros and cons of this method
Some of the pros of using PowerToys Run as a search bar are:
It is fast and easy to use.
It can search for anything on your PC and on the web.
It can integrate with Cortana and other plugins.
It is customizable and flexible.
Some of the cons of using PowerToys Run as a search bar are:
It is not visible on the taskbar.
It requires a keyboard shortcut to activate.
It may not work well with some antivirus software.
It may have some bugs and issues as it is still in development.
Method 2: Using Address toolbar
Another way to get the Windows 10 search bar on Windows 7 is to use the Address toolbar, which is a built-in feature of Windows that lets you enter web addresses or search queries from the taskbar. The Address toolbar can also act as a search bar that can search for files, folders, settings, web results, and more using Bing as the default search engine.
What is the Address toolbar and how to add it to the taskbar
The Address toolbar is a toolbar that can be added to the taskbar by right-clicking on an empty space on the taskbar, selecting Toolbars, and then selecting Address. The Address toolbar will appear on the right side of the taskbar with a small icon that looks like a globe. You can click on the icon or press F4 to activate the Address toolbar and type in anything you want to search for or go to.
How to move the Address toolbar to the left of the taskbar
If you want to move the Address toolbar to the left of the taskbar, where the Windows 10 search bar is located, you need to do some adjustments. First, right-click on an empty space on the taskbar and uncheck Lock the taskbar. Then, drag the dotted separator next to the Address toolbar icon to resize it and make it longer. Next, drag the dotted separator next to the Start button to move it and make it shorter. Finally, drag the Address toolbar icon itself and move it to the left of the Start button. You can also right-click on an empty space on the taskbar a