Windows 10, released in 2015, brought with it a plethora of exciting features, including the debut of Cortana, a virtual assistant designed to make users’ lives easier. One of Cortana’s most touted features was its ability to facilitate searches, allowing users to quickly find files, apps, and information with ease. However, as Windows 10 has evolved, the Cortana search box has become somewhat of a mystery, leaving users wondering: where did it go?
The Cortana Search Box: A Brief History
When Windows 10 first launched, the Cortana search box was prominently displayed on the taskbar, situated to the right of the Start button. This convenient placement allowed users to quickly access the search functionality, which was powered by Bing. The search box was designed to be an all-encompassing tool, capable of finding files, apps, and information from the web. With a simple click, users could access their search history, and even use natural language to ask Cortana questions.
However, as Windows 10 continued to evolve, the Cortana search box began to undergo changes. With the release of the Anniversary Update in 2016, the search box was moved from the taskbar to the Start menu. This change was met with mixed reactions, as some users appreciated the decluttered taskbar, while others lamented the loss of easy access to the search functionality.
The Great Search Box Shift: What Happened?
In 2019, Microsoft released the Windows 10 May Update, which brought with it a significant change to the search functionality. The Cortana search box, once a staple of the Windows 10 experience, was quietly removed from the taskbar and replaced with a simple search icon. This change sparked confusion among users, who were left wondering where the search box had gone.
The reason behind this change was Microsoft’s decision to split Cortana and the Windows search functionality into two separate entities. Cortana, now a standalone app, focused on providing a more personalized experience, while the Windows search functionality was revamped to focus on local files and apps.
What Does This Mean for Users?
The removal of the Cortana search box has significant implications for users. Without the search box, users must now click on the search icon on the taskbar to access the search functionality. This adds an extra step to the search process, making it less convenient for users.
Furthermore, the split between Cortana and the Windows search functionality means that users must now use two separate tools to access information: Cortana for web-based searches and the Windows search for local files and apps. This can be confusing, especially for users who were accustomed to the all-encompassing Cortana search box.
Where is the Cortana Search Box Now?
So, where did the Cortana search box go? The answer lies in the Windows search functionality. To access the Cortana search box, follow these steps:
- Click on the search icon on the taskbar.
- Type in your search query.
- Click on the “Apps” tab.
- Click on “Cortana” from the list of search results.
This will open the Cortana app, which now includes the search box. From here, you can use natural language to ask Cortana questions, access your search history, and more.
Alternative Search Options
While the Cortana search box may not be as accessible as it once was, Windows 10 still offers alternative search options. The Windows search functionality, accessible via the search icon on the taskbar, allows users to search for local files and apps. Additionally, users can use the File Explorer to search for files and folders.
| Search Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Windows Search | Allows users to search for local files and apps |
| File Explorer | Allows users to search for files and folders |
| Cortana App | Allows users to access the Cortana search box and ask questions |
Conclusion
The Cortana search box may not be as prominent as it once was, but it’s still accessible in Windows 10. While the changes to the search functionality may have caused confusion, understanding where the Cortana search box has gone can help users navigate the new landscape. By following the steps outlined above, users can access the Cortana search box and continue to use its features.
In conclusion, the Cortana search box may be hidden, but it’s not gone. With a little digging, users can uncover its whereabouts and continue to enjoy the benefits of this powerful search tool.
Where is the Cortana Search Box in Windows 10?
The Cortana search box is located in the taskbar, but it’s not always visible. If you don’t see it, don’t worry! It’s probably just hidden or turned off. To find it, click on the magnifying glass icon in the taskbar, or press the Windows key + S on your keyboard. This will open the Search panel, where you can type in your search queries.
Once you’ve opened the Search panel, you can type in what you’re looking for, and Cortana will provide you with relevant results. You can also use the Search panel to access other features, such as the Weather app, News, and more.
Why Can’t I Find the Cortana Search Box?
If you can’t find the Cortana search box, it’s possible that it’s been turned off or hidden. To check, right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.” In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down to the “Notification area” section and make sure the switch next to “Search” is turned on. If it’s not, toggle the switch to turn it on.
If you’ve turned on the Search feature and you still can’t find the Cortana search box, it’s possible that it’s been hidden due to a bug or glitch. In this case, try restarting your computer or reinstalling the Search app. You can also try checking for Windows updates to ensure that your system is up to date.
How Do I Customize the Cortana Search Box?
You can customize the Cortana search box to some extent. To do so, click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner of the Search panel, and then select “Settings.” In the Search settings window, you can toggle on or off various features, such as the ability to search online or to include Web results in your search queries.
You can also customize the appearance of the Search panel by changing the theme or background image. To do so, go to the Personalization settings in the Windows Settings app, and select “Colors” or “Background” from the left menu. From there, you can choose from various themes or upload your own custom background image.
Can I Disable the Cortana Search Box?
Yes, you can disable the Cortana search box if you don’t use it often. To do so, right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.” In the Taskbar settings window, scroll down to the “Notification area” section and toggle off the switch next to “Search.” This will remove the search box from the taskbar.
Keep in mind that disabling the Search feature will also remove the ability to search for files, apps, and settings on your computer. If you disable Search, you’ll need to use other methods to find what you’re looking for, such as using the File Explorer or typing commands in the Run dialog box.
Is the Cortana Search Box the Same as Windows Search?
The Cortana search box and Windows Search are related but not exactly the same thing. Windows Search is a feature that allows you to search for files, apps, and settings on your computer. The Cortana search box is a part of Windows Search that uses Cortana’s artificial intelligence to provide more personalized and relevant search results.
In other words, Windows Search is a broader feature that includes the Cortana search box as one of its components. When you type in a search query, Windows Search uses Cortana’s AI to provide more targeted results, including Web results and other information.
Can I Use the Cortana Search Box with Other Virtual Assistants?
The Cortana search box is closely tied to Microsoft’s Cortana virtual assistant, and it’s not possible to use it with other virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. However, you can use other virtual assistants alongside Cortana, and they can coexist on your computer.
For example, you can install the Alexa app on your Windows 10 computer and use it to control smart home devices or play music, while still using Cortana for search and other tasks.
Will the Cortana Search Box Be Removed in Future Versions of Windows?
There have been rumors that Microsoft may remove or replace the Cortana search box in future versions of Windows, but as of now, it’s still a part of the Windows 10 operating system. Microsoft has announced plans to focus more on productivity and business users, which may lead to changes in the way Cortana works, but it’s unclear what exactly will happen.
Even if the Cortana search box is removed or replaced, it’s likely that Windows Search will continue to exist as a feature, allowing you to search for files, apps, and settings on your computer.