The latest Windows 11 build from the dev channel has an interesting search-related change. The Taskbar Personalization section now has a dedicated area where you can change how Windows Search appears on your taskbar, as well as toggle or turn off a new setting that’s sure to please some Windows 11 users. It will generate heat.
As seen by @Phantom of the Earth On Twitter, Windows 11 build 23435 has a hidden (disabled by default) option that allows you to open search the operating system on hover. This means you no longer need to click a search box or button to trigger Windows Search — it will pop up whenever you move the cursor up, just like when you Edge opens Bing when you hover the cursor over the new Bing button (here’s how to disable it).
Microsoft has not yet announced a new configuration for Windows Search, so things may change several times in future updates. Meanwhile, you can try out the new “Open Search on Hover” option by enabling it with the Vivetool app.
Important: Backup your data before experimenting with hidden features and the Vivetool app.
How to Enable New Search Settings in Windows 11 Build 25435
- Download ViveTool. From GitHub And unzip the files into a convenient and easily searchable folder.
- press Win + X and select terminal (admin).
- Switch to a Windows terminal with a command prompt profile. Ctrl+Shift+2 Shortcut or by clicking the arrow button at the top of the window.
- Go to the folder containing the ViveTool files with CD command. For example, if you placed ViveTool in C:\Vive, type CD C:\Vive.
- Kind of vivetool /enable /id:43572857 And press enter.
- Kind of vivetool /enable /id:43572692 And press enter.
- Restart your computer.
As always, it’s worth reminding you that not everything Microsoft tests in a Windows Insider build will make it to the general public. The company often throws things at the wall to see what sticks, resulting in some changes being trashed during testing due to negative feedback or other reasons.
