Google has issued an advisory for early adopters of its new search application for Windows, instructing them to uninstall and then reinstall the software. The company stated that this process is required for users to continue receiving future updates for the application. The recommendation affects individuals who downloaded the initial version of the app after its release.
The Google app for Windows is designed to provide users with a centralized search tool. It can search for information located in local computer files, across installed applications, within a user’s Google Drive files, and on the web. To initiate a search, a user can press 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. While 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. The message reads: “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. As part of its development within Google Labs, the company notes that users may encounter bugs and other unexpected behavior. For those who have not yet installed the software, the application remains available for download through Search Labs.
