Google has advised early adopters of its new Windows search application to uninstall and reinstall the software to continue receiving future updates, affecting those who downloaded the initial version after its release.
The Google app for Windows is a centralized search tool designed to search for information in local computer files, installed applications, a user’s Google Drive files, and on the web. Users can initiate a search by pressing the keyboard shortcut Alt + Space, which brings up a search bar on the screen.
The application was first introduced as an experiment in Google Labs approximately two weeks ago. Following its release, Google identified an issue with the initial software build, although the company has not provided specific details about the problem. The error is significant enough to prevent the delivery of subsequent updates to the app without a full reinstallation.
To guide users through the process, Google released a direct message with instructions: “To ensure continued delivery of all future updates: 1. Uninstall the current app from your installed apps list. 2. Return to Google Labs and redownload the app.”
Google has reiterated that the search app is an experimental product and, as part of its development within Google Labs, users may encounter bugs and other unexpected behavior. The application remains available for download through Search Labs for those who have not yet installed the software.
