Earlier this week, Microsoft released the latest optional non-security updates for Windows 10 and 11. These updates usually include various bug fixes and a few new features to try before they are generally available. The August KB5029351 (Build 22621.2215) update for Windows 11 is also in line, but it also brings with it an unloved feature.When you install the August KB5029351 update, there will be a significant change in the behavior of the Search box in the taskbar. The operating system will now be able to launch Windows Search without you clicking the search box on the taskbar. Hovering over the Search box on the taskbar will now automatically open the corresponding window.
Fortunately, as stated in the release notes, it is possible to turn off the new behavior with just a few clicks in the Settings app. To do this, simply follow these steps:
Turn off the Windows 11 hover search feature
- Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I or any other method you prefer.
- Go to Personalization > Taskbar.
- Find the search section and turn off “Open search on hover (when available)”.
On the other hand, this change was noticed by Windows Insiders a few months ago and received negative reactions. It looks like Microsoft is confident about this change. So we can expect a change to appear in the next Patch Tuesday patches.
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