How to Remove Search From a Desktop

by Susan Reynolds

Windows Desktop Search is a common search bar that installs on a Windows computer along with Outlook 2007. It resides on the bottom of your taskbar on the desktop and allows you to search the Internet without having to open a Web browser. You simply type a phrase or word in the little white box and hit \"Enter\" to bring up search results. If you don't use the search bar or just want to clean up your desktop, you can easily remove the search function without disturbing any other programs.

Control Panel Method

Step 1

Go to Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.

Step 2

Click on \"Show Updates\" at the top of the menu.

Step 3

Look for \"Windows Desktop Search\" in the menu of programs.

Highlight \"Windows Desktop Search\" and click \"Remove\" to take it off your computer.

Alternative Method

Step 1

Go to \"Start > Windows Update.\"

Step 2

Click on \"View Update History\" on the left hand side.

Step 3

Look for the version of your Windows Desktop Search. There are five versions.

Step 4

Go to \"Start > Search\" and type in the directory of the Desktop Search version you have installed on your computer. Version 2.6.0.2083 : %systemroot%\\$NtUninstallKB907371-V2$\\spuninst Version 2.6.0.2057 : %systemroot%\\$NtUninstallKB907371$\\spuninst Version 2.6.5.Beta : %systemroot%\\$NtUninstallKB911993\\spuninst Version Windows Search 3.01 C:\\WINDOWS\\$NtUninstallKB917013$\\spuninst Version Windows Search 4.0 C:\\WINDOWS\\$NtUninstallKB940157$\\spuninst

Click on \"spuninst.exe\" to start the uninstall wizard. Follow the directions to remove the program.