How to Fix Missing Microsoft Store search bar in Windows 11

Windows Store shows a search bar on the top of the application allowing you to find any apps, games, movies, and more. Using this, people can explore convenient verified applications, download, and install them. Unfortunately, several users complain about missing Microsoft Store search bar in Windows 11 after updating to 23H2 or installing an update.

Search box not showing on Microsoft Store might occur because of the corrupted installation of the app itself, damaged system files, or interference with third-party antivirus programs. Furthermore, many times, buggy Windows updates may trigger this issue.

Missing Microsoft Store search bar in Windows 11

Here is how to fix Missing Microsoft Store search bar in Windows 11:

Reset the Store app

Resetting Microsoft store will restore the default settings wiping out old data and searches on the app. This way the basic culprits causing search bar to be hidden will be resolved:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
2. Choose System from the left menu.
3. Select System Components and find Microsoft Store in the list. (For older versions, go to Settings> Apps > Installed apps).
4. Go to the right and click on the 3 dots icon (ellipsis).
5. Then, click on Advanced options.
6. Once on the next page, scroll down and click on Reset.

7. Alternatively, you can press Windows + R, type WSReset.exe, and press Enter.

See: Fix Microsoft Store Keeps Loading in Windows 11 or 10

Uninstall and Reinstall Store using Windows PowerShell

When facing Microsoft Store search bar missing problem, uninstalling and reinstalling the app might help. The method will remove all the data of the store and install it again from scratch so follow the steps:

1. Press Win+S and type powershell.
2. Click on Run as administrator from the right side of the flyout.
3. Once Windows PowerShell is on the screen, copy-paste the following command and hit Enter:

Get-AppxPackage *windowsstore* | Remove-AppxPackage

4. Now, run the following command in the same manner:

Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

5. Restart the system and check if the search bar becomes visible.

Reference: How to Uninstall and Reinstall Microsoft Store in Windows 10

Update the Microsoft Edge Browser

Microsoft Store search bar missing issue might arise because of obsolete Edge browser. The browser has a direct impact on Store and it can distort its shape. Before moving towards the next methods, see if any Microsoft Edge update is pending and install it:

1. Launch the Microsoft Edge browser.
2. Click on 3 horizontal dots from the right side of the toolbar and click on it.
3. Hover over Help and feedback and select About Microsoft Edge.

4. The update will be automatically downloaded; click on Relaunch.
5. Close the Microsoft store app and reopen it. The search bar should appear now.

Disable third-party antivirus or firewall program

Obtrusion of third-party antivirus or firewall programs or clash between system files and them may be the reason for this invisible search box on Windows store. Disabling the tool for the time being for checking purpose may be beneficial in this case. Therefore, follow the instructions:

1. Go to the right side of Taskbar and click on Up arrow.
2. Once on the system tray, right-click on antivirus icon and select disable.
3. If any time period is provided select accordingly.
4. See if the issue is solved. If not then restart the computer then check.

Uninstall recent Windows Update

Sometimes, Windows updates might affect the appearance of search box of Microsoft Store. If you recently installed an update and the search bar is missing after that then you will need to uninstall this.

1. Click on Start and select Settings.
2. Select the menu Windows Update.
3. From the right, click on Update history.
4. Scroll down to the bottom part and select “Uninstall updates”.
5. Locate the recently installed update and click on Uninstall.

6. Confirm the popup.
7. Finally, the update will be removed after a couple of restarts.

Methods:
Reset the Store app
Uninstall and Reinstall Store using Windows PowerShell
Update the Microsoft Edge Browser
Disable third-party antivirus or firewall program
Uninstall recent Windows Update

That’s all!!