Windows 11 users have started to notice a distinct visual change on their desktops after the latest system update. Microsoft quietly adjusted the Search UI to make it noticeably taller so it now aligns precisely with the height of the Start menu. It might seem like a small tweak at first glance, but it removes that bit of empty space that used to sit awkwardly between the top of the search window and the Start menu flyout. This update arrived through the November 2025 optional update, known as KB5070311, and it’s expected to appear for everyone once the December Patch Tuesday rollout begins.
Key Takeaways
- The Windows 11 Search UI now stands taller to align perfectly with the Start menu height.
- This visual update is part of the KB5070311 optional update released in late November 2025.
- The change aims to provide a more consistent visual transition when switching between the Start menu and Search.
- The larger interface offers more room for search highlights, recent files, and Bing powered content.
- Users cannot easily revert this design change through native Windows settings.
A Push for Visual Consistency
For years, the Windows 11 design language has been called out for having these small inconsistencies that you might not always notice immediately but eventually start to feel a bit off. One of those quirks was the difference in height between the Start menu and the Search flyout. When you tapped the Start button, you’d get this tall floating pane. Then, right next to it, clicking the Search bar opened a window that was quite a bit shorter. It often felt like a mismatch, especially if you were someone who switched between searching the web and launching apps throughout the day.
With KB5070311 installed, that mismatch finally disappears. Triggering search now brings up a window that stretches to meet the height of the Start menu, and it all looks more unified. If you tend to use the search box inside the Start menu itself, the transition into the results view feels smoother because the window doesn’t suddenly snap into a smaller or differently sized space. It’s a change that seems almost obvious in hindsight, though perhaps some users never thought twice about it until now.
More Space for Content
Although this update is mainly about alignment and visual polish, the taller layout does serve a practical purpose. The added vertical space allows Microsoft to fit more content inside the search pane. That includes an expanded area for Search Highlights, which tends to feature trivia, trending topics, and sometimes those little nudges about Microsoft Rewards. It also means that if you’re often digging through local files or documents, you can see a bit more before scrolling. It’s a small quality of life improvement, though how much it matters likely depends on your habits.
There is a tradeoff, though. Because the taller window extends further across the screen, it covers more of your desktop and whatever windows you have open behind it. On smaller laptops, the search pane can feel almost dominant, perhaps taking up around 70 percent of the vertical screen space depending on your scaling settings. I think some people might find that a bit overwhelming, especially if they prefer to keep their workspace visible even while searching.
User Reactions and Availability
Reaction from the community has been mixed so far. On forums like Reddit, some users say the new symmetry is satisfying and overdue, while others feel the interface is becoming too large for a simple search feature. It’s interesting because both sides make reasonable points. A larger search window can feel more modern and more informative, yet at the same time some people just want a lightweight tool that stays out of the way.
Right now, the taller Search UI is available to anyone who installed the optional non security preview update in late November. Microsoft usually uses these optional releases to test visual changes before they reach the wider audience. Most users who stick to automatic updates will probably see the change appear after the mandatory December 2025 security updates. It’s one of those updates that you might not realize you wanted until it’s there or, in some cases, one you might wish you could shrink just a little.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I get the taller Search UI on my computer?
A. You need to install the Windows 11 cumulative update preview KB5070311. You can find this by going to Settings > Windows Update and checking for available updates. If you do not install it now, it will arrive automatically with the December update.
Q. Can I change the Search window size back to the smaller version?
A. No, Windows 11 does not offer a native setting to resize the Search flyout. The height is hardcoded to match the Start menu. You would likely need third-party customization tools to alter this behavior, though these can sometimes cause system instability.
Q. Why did Microsoft increase the height of the Search window?
A. The main reason is to create visual consistency between the Start menu and the Search tool. It eliminates the awkward size jump when switching between the two and provides more space to display search results and web content.
Q. Does this update affect how fast the search works?
A. No, this is purely a visual interface change. The underlying performance of the Windows Indexer and search speed remains the same as before.
Q. Will this change appear on Windows 10?
A. No, this specific design update is exclusive to Windows 11 as it is designed to match the specific layout and dimensions of the Windows 11 Start menu.
