How to REMOVE APP SEARCH in OUTLOOK?

So how do you remove the app search in Outlook? Well, Microsoft has finally provided an update to address this issue. Despite numerous community posts, it seems previous solutions were not sufficient. So, if you've been bothered by the app search bar in Outlook, here's what you need to know.

To begin with, it's important to note that this is not a laptop-specific or Microsoft Office version-related problem. Rather, it is a design bug that has caused the appearance of this unusual app search bar. Thankfully, Microsoft has recognized the issue and is working on a fix, which is set to be released on February 13th, 2024. Once the update is available, all you need to do is ensure that your Outlook application is up to date, and the bug should be resolved.

However, if you find it difficult to wait until February 13th, there are a couple of temporary solutions you can try. The first workaround requires minimal technical knowledge and involves disabling or moving the reading pane. By clicking on "View" in the top-right corner of your menu, you can navigate to the reading pane section and customize its layout. Simply move the reading pane to the bottom or try turning it off completely. Doing so will also make the app search bar disappear.

If you rely on the reading pane and disabling it is not an option, the second workaround involves reverting Outlook to a previous version. To accomplish this, exit all Office applications and follow the step-by-step guides provided on a specific page, which you can find by searching on Google using the page title provided by Microsoft. The guides will direct you on how to run two command prompts as an administrator, allowing you to revert to the previous stable build of Outlook. Additionally, you will need to disable updates to prevent the issue from recurring.

It's important to remember that after February 13th, you should revisit the page where you found the initial instructions and verify whether the bug has been fixed. If the status is indicated as "workaround," it means the issue still persists. In this case, enable the office update options and update to the latest version of Outlook, which should include the fix for the app search bar problem.

These are the recommended actions to take regarding the removal of the app search feature in Outlook. There may also be alternative solutions available, but the methods outlined here should help alleviate the problem.