Add search function to Windows 7 jumplist or taskbar

There is no quick way to search in Windows 7, unlike Mac OS X, where you can easily search any file or folder using the Finder.

To search for something in windows 7, you have to:

• Open any Explorer folder to search
• Click Start button and search by typing in the search field; though it is easy, the list is too small in width and relevant / expected result might not show up.

First we thought of adding a search field in the taskbar; but unfortunately, not much helpful information found after 2 hours of extensive searching, except you can add Google toolbar. However, we wanted to integrate the Windows search, not any third party application.

This trick to add the search function somewhat solves the problem, right click the Explorer icon to bring the jumplist, you will get the search link; click it, it will bring the Search Window itself. Although, we must mention, hitting Windows logo key and F brings the search window too.

How to add the search in Windows taskbar

Right click on any empty place on desktop, hover the mouse to New, then click Shortcut. It will bring the create a shortcut wizard.

In the location field type (or copy paste) the following path:

%SystemRoot%explorer.exe search-ms:

Then click Next button and name the shortcut as Search. Click Finish button to close the wizard. A shortcut icon to search window in Windows 7 will thus be created:

However, the Icon looks bad; so we have changed it by right clicking on it, going to Properties, then Shortcut tab, then changed the icon by clicking the Change icon button and selected a magnifying glass icon from the location %SystemRoot%system32SHELL32.dll :

Now, drag this shortcut to Windows 7 taskbar:

You will get the magnifying glass on Windows 7 taskbar.

How to add the search in Windows jumplist

This is quite difficult. Actually you need to create a .ink file whose Target type should be search-ms: . Like this:

You can create yourself by reading the guideline here or you can download the ready made thing by clicking here (password to the rar file is thecustomizewindows.com). The great difference between two shortcut is, when you drag the later type of shortcut, it will give you the option “Pin to Windows Explorer” instead of usual “Pin to Taskbar” :

So, you will get it in the jumplist easily: