Outlook unexpectedly has an App Search bar above the message list

Last Updated: February 13, 2024

ISSUE

After updating to Version 2402 Build 17231.20182 Outlook now unexpectedly has an App Search bar above the message list. Depending on how you have the Reading Pane set this may crowd the Search box.

STATUS: FIXED

The Outlook Team implemented a fix for this issue in Version 2401 Build 17231.20236. The fixed build is available starting on 2/13/24. To install the update immediately select File, Office Account, Update Options, Update Now.

If you used the workaround to revert, make sure to re-enable updates by selecting File, Office Account, Update Options, Enable Updates.

Workaround 1: 

If you need to work around the issue to be able to search, you can set the Reading Pane to the bottom by clicking View, Reading Pane, Bottom or to Off. 

Workaround 2: 

If you urgently need to remove the App Search Bar you revert to the build before the issue started.   

Revert the Office M365 Click-to-Run installation to Version 2312 Build 17126.20132.

To do this:

1. Exit all Office applications.

2. Select Start, type cmd in the Search box, right-click Command Prompt (or cmd.exe), and then select Runas administrator.

3. In the command prompt dialog window, type the following two command lines, pressing Enter after each command line:
   
   cd %programfiles%\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun
   
   officec2rclient.exe /update user updatetoversion=16.0.17126.20132

4. When the repair is done, open Outlook and select File > Office Account.

5. Select Update Options and choose Disable Updates.

6. Add an appointment on your calendar for after February 13th to check back to this topic to confirm the issue is fixed. If it is re-enable updates by clicking File > Office Account > Update Options > Enable Updates.