Firefox users are pushing back against a recent search bar change that adds a “Search with” dropdown and search-engine icons to the standalone bar, and there’s a workaround that seems to give back what users want.
One thread on r/firefox was posted about 18 hours ago, with the OP saying they wanted the old minimal setup back and could not fully kill the panel even after disabling suggestion-related preferences.
In the replies, one user called the change “awful,” while another said the new dropdown gets selected when tabbing over to the search box, which slows down a workflow that used to be more direct.
Mozilla’s own support page still describes the standalone Search bar as something users can add back to the toolbar from Firefox Settings or the Customize Toolbar menu, so the feature itself is not gone.
The problem, as highlighted by earlier reports as well, is that the bar no longer behaves the way some long-time Firefox users expect. Instead of staying out of the way, it now opens a larger panel with engine shortcuts and the “Search with” prompt.
Luckily, there’s a quick fix that has helped users. As first highlighted by v4d1mm, you need to open about:config, find browser.search.widget.new, and switch that preference to false. That’s it! Several people replied saying that it worked for them.
Mozilla has already signaled that Firefox 149 is bringing a wider batch of changes, not just this search bar tweak. In our earlier coverage, we noted that Mozilla is preparing new AI features, a built-in VPN, Split View, Tab Notes, toolbar refinements, and a broader visual refresh with its new mascot Kit.
So we won’t be surprised if this workaround is also patched in the coming weeks or months as Mozilla forces the new changes onto everyone.
That said, for people who just want the old standalone search bar behavior back, the Reddit fix is still the one getting the most traction right now. Give this workaround a shot and let us know if it did the trick for you in the comments below.
TechIssuesToday primarily focuses on publishing 'breaking' or 'exclusive' tech news. This means, we are usually the first news website on the whole Internet to highlight the topics we cover daily. So far, our stories have been picked up by many mainstream technology publications like The Verge, Macrumors, Forbes, etc. To know more, head here.
Dwayne Cubbins
1452 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
Follow Us
