The search window opens when browsing folders in Windows Explorer

1. Go to Start>> Run. Type in: regedit [Enter] or click OK.
2. Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell

3. Single click the "shell" entry to view its contents in the right pane.
4. Right click the "default" value
5. Select "Modify"
6. In the Value Data box, type: none
7. Click OK, then exit the Windows Registry.