How to Remove “App Search Bar” in Outlook [All Versions]

Are you frustrated by the clutter caused by Outlook’s App Search Bar? It’s a common issue that many users face. Luckily, removing it is straightforward and easy.

We’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions to regain control of your Outlook interface. Once it’s gone, you’ll have more space and less distraction. Let’s simplify your Outlook experience for smoother navigation and increased productivity.

Why Remove App Search Bar in Outlook?

Removing the App Search Bar in Outlook can enhance your user experience in several ways:

• Declutters the interface, providing more screen space
• Reduces visual distractions for better focus
• Streamlines navigation process, especially if alternative search methods are preferred
• Tailors Outlook environment to individual preferences
• Optimizes productivity by creating a more efficient workspace

READ MORE: Is Your Search Bar Missing in Outlook? Try These Fixes! ➜

How to Remove the “App Search Bar” in Outlook (Recent Version)

Here, we have mentioned different ways to remove the App Search Bar in Outlook in the recent versions. So, let’s get into it.

1. Set the Reading Pane to the Bottom or Off

Follow the below-mentioned process to set the reading pane to the bottom or turn it off:

1. Click on the “View” tab in the Outlook ribbon.
   

   

2. Navigate to the “Reading Pane” section.
   

   

3. Select either “Bottom” or “Off” from the options provided. This will quickly remove the app search bar from your Outlook interface.
   

   

READ MORE: How to Fix Outlook When It’s Stuck on the Loading Profile Screen? ➜

2. Revert the Office M365 Click-to-Run installation

Implement the following procedure to revert your Outlook to the older build:

1. Close all Office applications that are currently running.
2. Click on the Start menu.
   

   

3. Type “cmd” in the search box and select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.
   

   

4. In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
   • cd %programfiles%\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun
     officec2rclient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.17126.20132
     
     

     

5. These commands will trigger the repair process for Office. Wait for the repair to complete.
6. Now, launch Outlook.
7. Click on “File;” and choose “Office Account” from the list of options.
   

   

8. Here, select “Update Options” and click on “Disable Updates.”
   

   

READ MORE: How to Create a new Outlook Profile (All Versions) ➜

How to Remove the “App Search Bar” in Outlook (2016 or Earlier)

To remove the App Search Bar from Outlook 2016 or earlier versions, follow this process:

1. Open Outlook.
2. Access the “File” tab positioned at the top left corner.
3. Choose “Options” from the left-side menu.
   

   

4. Within the “Outlook Options” window, navigate to the “Advanced” section.
5. Find the checkbox named “Show Apps in Outlook.”
6. Uncheck this option and confirm by clicking on “OK.”
   

   

READ MORE: How to Select Multiple Emails in Any Outlook Version [2024] ➜

What to Do if None of the Methods Work

If you’re encountering a specific issue with the App Search Bar, and it seems unusual or unintended, you may want to try the following troubleshooting steps:

• Restart Outlook: Simply restarting the Outlook application can sometimes resolve minor display or functionality issues.
• Check for Updates: Ensure that your Outlook application is up to date. Sometimes, issues like this can be resolved by installing the latest updates, which may include bug fixes and improvements.
• Disable Add-ins: Sometimes, third-party add-ins or integrations can cause unexpected behavior in Outlook. Try disabling any recently installed add-ins to see if the issue resolves.
• Contact Support: If you’re still experiencing the issue after trying the above steps, it may be helpful to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. They can provide more specific guidance and troubleshooting steps based on your version of the app and the nature of the issue you’re encountering.

READ MORE: How to Fix an Email That Won’t Send in Outlook? ➜

Final Words

In conclusion, by following the provided steps, you can effectively remove the App Search Bar from Outlook, thus enhancing your productivity and streamlining your email management experience. Remember to restart Outlook to ensure the changes take effect. Enjoy a clutter-free workspace and smoother navigation as you focus on what matters most in your inbox.