Can I get the old search menu back in windows 8.1?

Solution 1:

If you are using search as an easy way to lauch programs then you might want to change the Windows button behavior. You can right click the taskbar → properties → navigation → start screen.

Select "Show the apps view automatically when i go to Start" Deselect "Search everywhere..."

Hit ok. Now everytime you hit the start button or Winkey on your keyboard you will automatically go to the apps list and you can start typing to filter the list for the app you want. Now if you are looking for files and folders, then you will need the "Search everywhere" selected or just use the search on file explorer.

You can also remove bing integration from Search under Settings → Change PC Settings → Search and Apps → Search. Deselect "Use bing to search online".

Still, you will not have the old behavior.

Solution 2:

The sidebar is pretty much still there - there is no more program only search, but you can still search for files and settings by hitting on the downward pointing arrow on the subtitle under search.