Solved Windows 11 26H2: How to Revert Search Menu Dialog Box to Default Appearance

Stupsi · 2026-10-03T12:36:46-0400

Problem
The search menu dialog box appearance has changed on my system (I am assuming this is the new look in Windows 11 26H2, though I am not certain). I do not like the appearance of it at all and would like help restoring it back to its default appearance and settings.

What I tried

Ran all the DISM commands and SFC (i.e. sfc, etc.), but nothing has helped.
Used a point-in-time restore to an earlier date, but the search menu still looks like this.

Extra details

I am not using any third-party tools on the system.
This change occurred on my primary system, but not on my other system, so I am not sure what caused it.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

OAT · 2026-10-03T13:25:56-0400

This is indeed the new look for some 26H2 systems and there are no known ways to roll it back to the previous look.

Tested: Microsoft just debloated Windows 11 Search without Bing, and it's crazy fast

Windows 11 build 26300.8697 hides a toggle to remove Bing from Search. We tested it hands-on: faster results, cleaner UI, local files first.

www.windowslatest.com

dalchina · 2026-10-03T13:41:11-0400

If you don't like it and want something that does pretty much all that does.. the configurable search box of Open Shell Start menu is worth considering... and you get a way better configurable start menu as well, for free.

That way you become independent of MS's vagaries.

Stupsi · 2026-10-03T15:08:38-0400

Thanks oats and dalchina for the replies. I was afraid of it being the "new look". I'll look at open shell start menu then

KevTech · 2026-10-03T15:28:43-0400

Stupsi said:
The search menu dialog box appearance has changed on my system

Mine still looks like this on 26H2.

Stupsi · 2026-10-03T15:33:05-0400

K-That's what I always had, which I prefer to this new UI. I read everything that OAT provided but there has got to be a way to get it back without using third party software, I'm probably wrong as OATS spelled it pretty clear but still hanging on / looking for a way

KevTech · 2026-10-03T15:38:37-0400

Stupsi said:
K-That's what I always had, which I prefer to this new UI. I read everything that OAT provided but there has got to be a way to get it back without using third party software, I'm probably wrong as OATS spelled it pretty clear but still hanging on / looking for a way

There are also some setting for search in Settings > Privacy & security > Search

Stupsi · 2026-10-03T15:41:11-0400

Yup, already looked at that back and forth and the settings there have no effect to changing the UI back to the way it looked

Stupsi · 2026-10-03T15:46:30-0400

Quick searches and Top apps dialog boxes just disappeared. ????

OAT · 2026-10-03T15:54:34-0400

Stupsi said:
Quick searches and Top apps dialog boxes just disappeared. ????

I think in such a case, MS should have given a toggle to select Normal (as is) or Simplified.
Not everyone is yet getting the 'leaner' look but by using the velocity keys, the new Search can either be enabled or disabled :

Code:

vivetool /enable /ID:61267302,61344081,61482515,61532758,61760679,62353331,62762248

Try this to see if you get the old search back. (unknown if that will bring back the old Search)

Code:

vivetool /disable /ID:61267302,61344081,61482515,61532758,61760679,62353331,62762248

You need to restart your system after either implementation.

Enable or Disable Hidden Feature Flags in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable hidden experimental feature flags in Windows 11. ViVeTool is an open source tool that can be used to enable hidden features that are part of controlled feature roll-outs or A/B testing in Insider builds of Windows 11. Windows Insider builds...

www.elevenforum.com

Stupsi · 2026-10-03T16:06:39-0400

Thanks oats, I'll try it now--need a few minutes

Stupsi · 2026-10-03T16:23:05-0400

Wow Oats--You're right on the money-it's back now as it previously was--appreciate it very much

OAT · 2026-10-03T16:30:10-0400

Stupsi said:
Wow Oats--You're right on the money-it's back now as it previously was--appreciate it very much

Keep in mind that this feature will be eventually permanent and therefore the rollback will not be possible.
Enjoy it while it lasts!

IanMosley · 2026-10-03T16:46:32-0400

Stupsi said:
Problem
The search menu dialog box appearance has changed on my system (I am assuming this is the new look in Windows 11 26H2, though I am not certain). I do not like the appearance of it at all and would like help restoring it back to its default appearance and settings.

In Settings

OAT · 2026-10-03T16:55:03-0400

IanMosley said:
In Settings

Thanks Ian, the original post was referring to the Search Menu and its layout, not to the Search Icon on the taskbar.
Also the thread has been marked solved, but thank you.

Solved Windows 11 26H2: How to Revert Search Menu Dialog Box to Default Appearance

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