Add a search bar to the KDE taskbar similar to the W11 feature.
Add a search bar to the KDE taskbar similar to the W11 feature.
I discovered some outdated discussions about including a search bar widget. It seems these features aren't available right now. To insert a search bar in the task bar area between the launcher and apps, you should adjust the layout so the app launcher icon stands alone. The W11 icon appears more appealing for this setup. This guide applies to Debian 13.
Right click: Next: To adjust its position, select the icon to open editing mode, then drag it wherever needed. Make sure you're clicking accurately to avoid needing to rearrange everything.
I noticed that. It only displays a magnifying glass icon that opens the search bar. Ideally, I'd like a real search bar in the task area, similar to how it appears in actual W11. I wasn't able to find an option to turn the magnifying glass into a permanent search field. Still, it does help visually distinguish the app launcher from the icons. Perhaps that's all we can do.
KDE lacks a dedicated widget for inserting a search bar directly. You can either utilize the search function in the start menu, embed the search widget on the taskbar for a clickable button, or place it on the desktop to open a search window. Alternatively, employ krunner with Alt+Space or Alt+F2. On Linux, multi-purpose Quick Launchers are typically the preferred method for searching, such as krunner. Community resources can be found at https://store.kde.org/browse/, which also supports browsing via the "Get New" option in the Widgets Menu.
KDE includes KRunner—press Alt + Space to open it. A search bar will show up—use it to look for files or installed programs https://userbase.kde.org/Plasma/Krunner
I aimed to make the search bar always visible, similar to W11. It should stay on screen and clearly show the word "search." A typical user doesn’t remember the shortcut, but will notice the presence of a search field. I can open the app launcher directly to reach the original search bar, though that adds extra steps and might not be obvious.
Note: In KDE I can only display the "search icon ONLY," unlike W11 which shows the full search box. What I want is the same appearance as in W11 with the search box visible. Perhaps it isn’t feasible, but that’s acceptable.
The search function works well—when I type "snip..." (the Windows snipping tool), it opens a preview similar to AI suggesting results. It feels like a smart prediction.
It means the permanent search bar won’t appear, but it just reduces the available space. You still have to use the Win11 search box and begin typing, which is exactly what it does. Regarding search precision – this is because it functions properly without issues, unlike Windows 11’s search. It’s not a joke; it can locate basic items such as Microsoft Word on any Win11 system I’ve tested, unlike the search experience in Windows 95 to 10. It’s really disappointing.
On my work PC with MS Office installed, searching for "word" opens the MS Word app. On my home PC without MS Office, the same search only shows local files containing the word. It appears to function correctly. I appreciate the search bar and the lack of space issues. The launcher stays clearly separated from the rest. At home I have it. At work, IT removed the search bar from the task list, which I find undesirable.