The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To change the Search or Launcher key on a Chromebook, open Settings > Device > Keyboard > Remap keyboard keys, select Search or Launcher, and choose a new action. You can assign Caps Lock, use the key for another listed function, or restore the default later. The exact controls shown can differ by ChromeOS version and by whether you are configuring the built-in or an external keyboard.
What the Search or Launcher key is
Chromebooks use a dedicated key where many Windows keyboards have Caps Lock. Depending on the Chromebook model, the key is labeled Search, displays a magnifying-glass icon, or is labeled Launcher. Its normal job is to open Chromebook search or show the app launcher.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Search and Launcher are two names for the same keyboard position and behavior. Google’s Chromebook keyboard documentation uses both terms because the label and icon vary between devices and ChromeOS interfaces. If a guide says to select Search but your settings say Launcher, select the key you have.
A standard Windows keyboard connected by USB or Bluetooth can provide the same control. On that keyboard, the Windows key between Ctrl and Alt functions as the Chromebook’s Search or Launcher key. The remapping controls may appear under the external-keyboard category rather than the built-in-keyboard category.
#1 Best Overall
- [Ultra-Lightweight Ear Buds Designed for Small Ears] Each earbud weighs only 3.7g and features a compact, ergonomic in-ear design made especially for small ears. Secure, low-profile, and comfortable for workouts, all-day wear or overnight sleeping.The ultra-slim profile sits flush in your ear with no hard edges poking or rubbing, so you can even sleep on your side without discomfort.
- [Immersive Stereo Sound with TOZO OrigX Technology] TOZO OrigX tuning delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and natural stereo sound for music, podcasts, and videos.
- [Long Battery Life for Daily Use] Get up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with up to 32 hours total using the charging case—ideal for workdays, commuting, and extended listening sessions.
- [Bluetooth 5.3 & Stable Connection] Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast pairing, stable wireless performance, and reduced dropouts as you move around home or office.
- [Deep Bass with Clear Vocals] High-performance drivers produce punchy bass while keeping vocals clean and detailed for everyday listening.
Change the key’s assigned action
Use the following path in ChromeOS. You do not need to buy a replacement keyboard, install an extension, or edit a configuration file.
- Sign in to the Chromebook account that should receive the change.
- Select the time in the lower-right corner of the screen to open the system tray.
- Select Settings (the gear icon).
- In the Settings sidebar, open Device, then select Keyboard.
- Under Built-in keyboard, select Remap keyboard keys. If you are changing a connected keyboard, inspect the external-keyboard section instead; ChromeOS can show separate controls for each keyboard category.
- Find Search or Launcher in the list of remappable keys.
- Open the action selector next to that key and choose the behavior you want.
The setting takes effect through ChromeOS’s keyboard handling, so it applies when you use the selected keyboard in supported apps. The list of available actions is determined by your ChromeOS version and keyboard type. If the wording or location is slightly different, use the remapping control displayed in your own Keyboard settings rather than looking for an identical screenshot.
Which keyboard category should you use?
| Keyboard you are changing | Where to look | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Chromebook’s attached keyboard | Device > Keyboard > Built-in keyboard | The Search or Launcher key is normally listed here. |
| USB or Bluetooth keyboard | The external-keyboard section in Keyboard settings | A Windows keyboard’s Windows key serves as Search or Launcher; controls can be separate from the built-in keyboard. |
If several external keyboards are connected, identify the one whose key you want to change before opening its remapping controls. A remap made for one keyboard category should not be assumed to change every keyboard attached to the Chromebook.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallMake Search or Launcher act as Caps Lock
Caps Lock is the most common reason people change this key. In the remapping list, choose Caps Lock for Search or Launcher and then test it in a text field. Pressing the remapped key should switch capitalization on and off as a Caps Lock key would.
Rank #2
- 【IP68 Waterproof Multifunctinal Smart Watch】Torjalph fitness activity tracker smart watch is IP68 waterproof technology ,you can wear it when swimming,handwashing,it's rain-proof which means that you perform multiple exercise modes outside without worrying about sweat or rain corroding your fitness smart watch,and this watch equipped with a 230 mAh large capacity battery magnetic charging ,and this sports activity tracker watch can be used 5-7 days If fully charged.
- 【Larger 1.83'' Full Screen Watch & Multi-dial Selection】1.83 inch full HD color touch screen smart watch for men / women provides excellent 240*284 resolution image quality ,This Bluetooth smart watch offers a better touch experience and remarkable immersion and ,more than 200 watch faces for you to choose from App"Da Fit ", you can change the dial style according to your mood to wear keeping the world on your wrist
- 【Accurate Activity Tracker Smart Watch 】sports watch activity tracker uses sweat and dust resistant breathable silicone strap, our Fitness Tracker Smart Watch for Android iOS Phones supports 12 sports modes,walking,running,bicycle,swimming,badminton,basketball,football,rope skipping. This bluetooth calls smart watch for men women is lightweight and stylish, bringing more convenient and relaxing sports experience while also providing more protection.
- 【Your 24 Hour Personal Daily Health Monitor】Fitness watch for women men full touch screen IP67 waterproof bluetooth smartwatch for Android iOS Phones with heart rate blood pressure monitor multifunction Andriod smart watch with steps counter sleep monitor sports fitness watch, monitoring blood oxygen saturation allows you to understand your physical condition in real time to track fitness progress ,to know your health status in time.
- 【More Functions Bluetooth Call Smart Watch】This fitness activity smart watch full screen for iPhone and Android phones includes a bunch of new features including:The bluetooth smart watch can hang up the phone, receive and display WhatsAPP /Text /Facebook /Twitter /Messenger reminder.Support sedentary reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer,weather information,music control, remote camera control compatible with Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above smartphones.
This assignment is different from ChromeOS’s built-in Caps Lock shortcut. Google documents Alt + Search or Alt + Launcher as a way to toggle Caps Lock without changing the key’s permanent assignment. The shortcut is useful when you want to keep Search or Launcher’s normal search function most of the time. Remapping is useful when you want a single key in that position to behave as Caps Lock on every press.
Choose between the two Caps Lock methods
| Your goal | Use this method | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Occasionally enter all-capital text | Press Alt + Search or Alt + Launcher | No keyboard setting is changed; Search or Launcher remains a search/launcher key. |
| Use one key as Caps Lock routinely | Remap Search or Launcher to Caps Lock | The selected key receives the Caps Lock action until you restore or change the mapping. |
After changing the mapping, verify both states in a simple text editor or browser text box. Type a few letters, press the remapped key, and type again. If the key still opens search, you likely changed a shortcut or the wrong keyboard category instead of the key assignment.
Restore the original Search or Launcher behavior
Return to Settings > Device > Keyboard and open the remapping controls for the same keyboard category. Use Restore defaults where it is shown. If ChromeOS presents separate restore controls for built-in and external keyboards, restore the category that contains your change.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Restoring defaults returns Search or Launcher to its standard search or app-launch behavior and removes the custom assignment for that category. It does not mean that a shortcut you created in the Shortcuts app is automatically deleted; key remapping and shortcut customization are separate settings.
Rank #3
- [Low Noise High Fidelity] New bee guitar cord with 22AWG oxygen-free-copper center conductors provides enhanced signal transfer, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded copper double shield provide noise rejection for quiet operation
- [Ideal for Choice] New bee 1/4 straight and right angle metal connectors, ensures a secure connection in any instrument, pedal, or amp jack. L shape great fro on stage guitar stands
- [Wide Compatible] Suitable for mixer, power amplifier, microphone, effector, decoder, equalizer, electoronic organ, electric guitar, electric bass and other electronic equipments. Widely used in the installation of smart home, karaoke speaker, professional stage audio, etc
- [Easy Disassemble] Making incidental repairs quick and easy! Very nice, flexible cable
- [Dont Hesite to Order] 24 hours customer services and professional technology team are standing by
Key remapping versus shortcut customization
A remap changes what one physical key sends or does. For example, assigning Caps Lock to Search changes the action associated with that key position. It is appropriate when you want a different single-key function.
A shortcut is a combination such as a modifier plus another key. If you want to change a combination, use the ChromeOS Shortcuts app rather than the Keyboard page’s remapping list. The Shortcuts app is the place to inspect and customize supported shortcut combinations.
Google advises that custom system shortcuts should include the Search or Launcher key to reduce possible conflicts with browser applications. That guidance concerns shortcut combinations; it does not require you to remap Search or Launcher first. Keep the distinction in mind when troubleshooting: a changed shortcut will not necessarily change the behavior of the key when pressed by itself.
What to do when the option is missing
You opened the wrong keyboard section
Check whether the key is on the Chromebook itself or on a connected keyboard. Built-in and external keyboards can expose their own remapping controls. For an external Windows keyboard, look for the Windows key’s entry rather than expecting a key physically labeled Search.
Rank #4
- Digital Family Calendar: BSIMB digital calendar wall touch screen puts an end to your chaotic life. Designed for busy families, the digital calendar keeps you organised and in step with your family. Assign different colours and tasks to each family member to make family scheduling easier and more intuitive.
- Easy Setup and Auto-Sync: Plug in, connect to WLAN and auto-syn your electric calendar in minutes. Digital wall calendar compatible with Google calendar, iCloud calendar, Outlook calendar, Cozi calendar and Yahoo calendar. Add events directly on the device or through the ecalendar app. Electronic calendar stays current whether you're at work or traveling—no manual updates needed.
- All-In-One Home Assistant: Smart calendar builds habits and encourage independence with personalised chores. Display daily meal plan to reduce the daily ‘What's for dinner?’ stress. To-do lists keep track of everything you want. Turning chores into valuable achievements with stars and rewards, making life easier and more enjoyable.
- Manage Anytime Anywhere: BSIMB electronic calendar for family stay connected with the powerful ecalendar app. Access and manage your digital wall calendar anytime, anywhere with free features like stars & rewards, photo screensaver, chore charts, meals plans, to-do lists etc. Electronic planner paid features like Magic Import tailor advanced tools for users with special needs.
- Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Share photos or videos from your phone to electronic wall calendar with app, instantly update your life moment, and keep in touch with your family, especially those who are far away; you can also surprise your smart calendar digital wall by sending him a wish card; it's also great for keeping tech-illiterate elders in touch with the youngsters.
The label does not match the guide
Search, Launcher, and an icon resembling a magnifying glass can refer to the same Chromebook function. ChromeOS interface labels also change over time. Follow the label shown beside the key in your own Remap keyboard keys panel.
There is no remapping control
Available controls depend on ChromeOS version and keyboard type. Confirm that you opened Device > Keyboard, not a language or input-method page, and inspect both the built-in and external sections when applicable. If the control is absent for a particular keyboard, ChromeOS may not expose remapping for that device or version.
The remap appears not to work
- Test the key in a plain text field so an app-specific shortcut does not obscure the result.
- Confirm that you selected the intended keyboard category.
- Check whether the key is still assigned to Search or Launcher in the remapping list.
- Disconnect and reconnect an external keyboard, then verify that you are testing the same device whose settings you changed.
- Use Restore defaults, test the original behavior, and apply the remap again if the setting appears inconsistent.
Some applications define their own shortcuts. A browser or web app can intercept a combination even when ChromeOS has a system shortcut for it. Testing the single remapped key separately from a multi-key shortcut helps identify whether the issue is a remap or an application conflict.
Using a Windows keyboard with a Chromebook
When you connect a conventional Windows keyboard, the Windows key located between Ctrl and Alt acts as Search or Launcher. This lets you follow the same conceptual workflow even though the printed keycap does not say Search or Launcher.
Open the external-keyboard remapping controls and select the entry corresponding to that key. The exact key name shown by ChromeOS can vary with the keyboard and operating-system version. Do not assume that changing the built-in keyboard’s Search mapping also changes the Windows key on an attached keyboard; check the category associated with the device you are using.
An external keyboard is optional. The setting is software-based and works with the Chromebook’s own keyboard when the built-in controls are available.
Practical choices before you save a remap
- Preserve search access: If you frequently search apps, files, or the web from the keyboard, keep Search or Launcher in its default role and use Alt + Search or Alt + Launcher for Caps Lock when needed.
- Prioritize familiar typing: If muscle memory from Windows or another platform matters more, assign Caps Lock to the key position you naturally press.
- Consider shared devices: A remap changes the keyboard behavior for the configured account or device context. Tell other users who rely on the default key behavior, or restore defaults before handing over the Chromebook.
- Separate single-key and shortcut needs: Use Keyboard remapping for one key and the Shortcuts app for combinations.
Frequently needed facts
Does changing the key require new hardware?
No. Google’s documented procedure uses ChromeOS settings. A replacement keyboard, keycap, or accessory is not required.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Is Search different from Launcher?
They are alternate labels for the Chromebook key that normally starts search or opens the app launcher. The label depends on the device and ChromeOS interface.
Can I undo the change?
Yes. Return to the relevant keyboard remapping panel and select Restore defaults where available.
Can I change a keyboard shortcut from this page?
No. The remapping page changes a key’s assigned action. Use the ChromeOS Shortcuts app for shortcut combinations.
Bottom line
Open Settings > Device > Keyboard > Remap keyboard keys, select Search or Launcher under the keyboard you actually use, and choose the desired action. Assign Caps Lock if you want a dedicated Caps Lock key, or leave the mapping unchanged and use Alt + Search or Alt + Launcher for a temporary Caps Lock toggle. Because ChromeOS labels and available controls can vary by version and keyboard category, verify the option in your own settings and use Restore defaults if you need to reverse it.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
