How to Enable the Search Web Part in SharePoint Online
Question details
The user wants to add the Search web part to a SharePoint Online page but cannot find it in the available categories menu.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a new Web Part Page or Wiki Page in SharePoint Online to display a search box.
- Observed behavior
- The Search web part does not appear under Categories when creating pages on a modern SharePoint site, unlike in classic SharePoint Server environments.
Determine whether you are currently using a modern SharePoint site or a classic SharePoint site, as the availability of web parts differs significantly between the two experiences.
Use a Classic SharePoint Site for Classic Search Web Parts
If you strictly need the standalone classic Search Box Web Part, you must build your page on a classic SharePoint site.
Microsoft has transitioned modern SharePoint pages to use built-in site search experiences rather than standalone classic web parts. Consequently, the classic Search category is hidden on modern sites.
Navigate to your SharePoint environment and open a classic SharePoint site collection.
Click on the Settings gear icon in the top right corner, select 'Add a page', and choose the classic Web Part Page option.
Click on the 'Add a Web Part' text within the designated zone on your newly created page.
Scroll through the Categories menu on the ribbon, select 'Search', choose the 'Search Box' web part, and click 'Add' to insert it into your page.
Utilize Modern Search Capabilities on Modern Sites
Instead of forcing classic web parts, use the built-in Microsoft Search experience natively integrated into modern SharePoint pages.
Enhance Your Document Workflow with WPS Office
While you manage and search for your files in SharePoint, you might need a lightweight, cost-effective solution to edit your downloaded Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents. WPS Office provides a highly compatible and familiar interface for all your productivity needs.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open Your SharePoint Documents: Download your document from SharePoint and open it directly in WPS Office.
- 3. Edit and Save: Edit your file using the familiar interface and save it in its original Microsoft Office format to upload back to SharePoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Search web part missing in SharePoint Online?
Microsoft redesigned modern SharePoint pages to use a built-in, global Microsoft Search experience located in the site header. As a result, the classic standalone Search web parts are no longer available in the modern page category list.
Can I add a classic Search web part to a modern SharePoint page?
No, classic Search web parts are incompatible with modern SharePoint pages. You must create a classic Web Part Page on a classic site to access and utilize them.
How can I customize search results on a modern SharePoint page?
For advanced custom search capabilities on modern pages, administrators often deploy the PnP Modern Search web parts, which are community-driven, open-source solutions that integrate seamlessly with modern SharePoint.
