That search bar at the top of Outlook seems to have a mind of its own. If you are tired of it popping up or taking over your screen, you have come to the right place to learn how to get rid of app search in outlook. This guide will walk you through every method to disable or hide that persistent search feature, whether you are using Outlook on Windows, Mac, or the web version.
Many users find the app search distracting, especially when they prefer using keyboard shortcuts or simply want a cleaner interface. The good news is that you can control it with a few simple steps. We will cover registry edits, settings tweaks, and even some workarounds for different Outlook versions.
Before we dive into the details, understand that the “app search” in Outlook is not the same as the regular search for emails or contacts. It is a dedicated search bar that sometimes appears as a floating element or a persistent box at the top of the window. This guide focuses specifically on removing that element.
Understanding The App Search In Outlook
First, let us clarify what we mean by “app search.” In recent versions of Microsoft 365 and Outlook 2019/2021, there is a search box integrated into the title bar or the ribbon area. This is different from the Ctrl+E shortcut that opens a search pane. The app search is always visible, taking up valuable screen space.
Some users report that this search bar appears after an update or when they accidentally click a certain area. It can be annoying because it does not always behave like a normal search box. Sometimes it opens a web search instead of searching within your mailbox.
If you are here, you probably want it gone for good. We have several methods to achieve that, depending on your comfort level with technical settings.
How To Get Rid Of App Search In Outlook
This is the main section where we provide step-by-step instructions. Follow the method that matches your Outlook version and operating system. We will start with the easiest and safest methods.
Method 1: Disable Via Outlook Settings (Windows)
For most users, the simplest way is to adjust the Outlook options. This method works for Outlook 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365 on Windows.
- Open Outlook and click on File in the top-left corner.
- Select Options from the menu.
- In the Outlook Options window, click on Advanced on the left sidebar.
- Scroll down to the Outlook panes section.
- Click the Navigation Options button.
- Uncheck the box that says “Show Search” or “Enable App Search” (the exact wording may vary).
- Click OK to save changes, then restart Outlook.
If you do not see this option, do not worry. Microsoft sometimes hides it in different places depending on updates. Try the next method instead.
Method 2: Use Registry Editor (Advanced Users)
If the settings method does not work, you can edit the Windows Registry. Be careful: incorrect changes can cause problems. Always back up your registry first.
- Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences
- Right-click on the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name it DisableSearchBox.
- Double-click the new value and set the data to 1.
- Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
- Restart Outlook to see if the search bar is gone.
If you are using an older version of Office, the path might be 15.0 instead of 16.0. Adjust accordingly. This method disables the app search completely.
Method 3: Hide The Search Bar On Mac
Outlook for Mac has a different interface. The app search might appear as a small magnifying glass icon in the title bar. Here is how to remove it.
- Open Outlook for Mac.
- Go to the Outlook menu in the top bar.
- Select Preferences.
- Click on General.
- Look for an option labeled “Show Search Field” or similar.
- Uncheck it to hide the search bar.
- Close the preferences window. The change takes effect immediately.
Some Mac users report that the search bar reappears after updates. If that happens, repeat these steps. It is a known bug with certain versions.
Method 4: Use Group Policy (For IT Administrators)
If you manage multiple computers in an organization, you can disable the app search via Group Policy. This is not for individual users but is included for completeness.
- Download the Office Administrative Templates from Microsoft.
- Open the Group Policy Management Console.
- Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Outlook 2016 > Outlook Options > Other.
- Find the policy named “Disable Search Box” or similar.
- Set it to Enabled.
- Apply the policy and update the clients.
This method ensures that the search bar is disabled for all users in the domain. It is the most reliable for enterprise environments.
Method 5: Use A Third-Party Tool
If you are not comfortable editing the registry or settings, there are third-party tools that can modify Outlook’s interface. Tools like OutlookTools or Addin Express offer options to hide the search bar. However, be cautious with third-party software. Only download from trusted sources.
These tools often provide a simple checkbox to disable the app search. They work by modifying the same registry keys we mentioned earlier, but with a user-friendly interface.
Common Issues And Fixes
Sometimes the search bar refuses to disappear even after following the steps. Here are some common problems and their solutions.
Search Bar Reappears After Update
Microsoft frequently updates Outlook, and these updates can reset your settings. If the search bar comes back after an update, simply reapply the method you used. For registry edits, the key should remain, but double-check it.
You can also create a script to reapply the registry change automatically after each update. This is more advanced but saves time.
Option Grayed Out In Settings
If the “Show Search” option is grayed out, it means your IT administrator has enforced a policy. In that case, you cannot change it locally. Contact your IT department and ask them to disable it via Group Policy.
For home users, this usually does not happen. If it does, try the registry method instead.
Search Bar Still Visible On Secondary Monitor
Some users report that the search bar disappears on the primary monitor but remains on a secondary display. This is a display scaling issue. Try moving Outlook to the primary monitor and then back to the secondary one. If that does not work, restart Outlook.
Another fix is to change your display scaling settings in Windows. Set it to 100% temporarily, restart Outlook, then change it back. This often resolves the ghost search bar.
Alternative Approaches
If you cannot completely remove the app search, you can minimize its impact. Here are some workarounds.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Instead of clicking the search bar, use Ctrl+E to open the search pane. This is faster and does not require the persistent search box. Once you get used to it, you might not even notice the app search anymore.
You can also customize the Quick Access Toolbar to include a search button. This keeps the functionality without the clutter.
Collapse The Ribbon
If the search bar is part of the ribbon, you can collapse the ribbon to hide it. Double-click any tab (like Home or Send/Receive) to collapse the ribbon. The search bar will disappear along with it.
To expand the ribbon again, double-click any tab. This is a temporary fix but works well for users who rarely use the ribbon.
Use Outlook Web App
If the desktop version is too cluttered, consider using Outlook on the web (OWA). The web version has a cleaner interface and the app search is less intrusive. You can access it at outlook.com or your organization’s OWA URL.
OWA also allows you to customize the layout more easily. You can hide the search bar in the settings under View > Focused Inbox or similar options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about removing the app search in Outlook.
Q: Will disabling the app search affect my ability to find emails?
No. The app search is just a visual element. You can still use Ctrl+E or the search box in the ribbon to find emails. The functionality remains intact.
Q: Why does the app search keep coming back?
Microsoft updates often reset user preferences. If you used the settings method, the update might have re-enabled it. Use the registry method for a more permanent fix.
Q: Can I remove the app search on Outlook for Android or iOS?
Mobile versions of Outlook do not have the same persistent search bar. You can hide it by going to Settings > Search and toggling off “Show search bar.” This is specific to the mobile app.
Q: Is there a way to disable the app search without editing the registry?
Yes, the settings method works for most users. If it does not, you can try the Group Policy method if you are an administrator. Otherwise, the registry is the most reliable.
Q: Will these methods work for Outlook 2013?
Outlook 2013 does not have the same app search feature. If you are using 2013, you likely do not need to remove it. The methods here are for 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365.
Final Thoughts
Removing the app search in Outlook is straightforward once you know the right method. Whether you choose the settings route, registry edit, or a workaround, you can reclaim that screen space. Remember to restart Outlook after making changes to see the effect.
If you encounter any issues, revisit the steps or try an alternative method. The registry edit is the most permanent solution, but the settings method is safer for beginners. For Mac users, the preferences option is the only reliable way.
We hope this guide helped you understand how to get rid of app search in outlook. If you have any other questions, feel free to search for more specific solutions. Happy emailing without the distraction!