I began having this problem today after a Windows update. Some time ago, I had this same issue and a search gave me the instructions for a fix in about:config where I changed "browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.improvesearch.handoffToAwesomebar" to false. I just checked that to see if it needed to be reset, but it is still configured to false, so I wonder what is going on.

I agree it should not require a fix, but here we are. Have you tried this? Type about:config in the address bar, then click on "Accept the Risk and Continue." Next, paste: browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.improvesearch.handoffToAwesomebar in the search box, or click "show all" and scroll to find it. Look to the right and find the toggle symbol and click it to change "true" to "false" then restart Firefox and see if that fixes the issue. It worked for me for a few years. Hope it helps.

I have no idea why it is not working for me now. Maybe it is some sinister thing with Windows. Windows updates have been wreaking havoc with my computer for the past couple of months.

Hello

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1339296 https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/ideas/please-use-the-searchbox-but-not-the-address-bar-in-new-tabs/idi-p/4720

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1562583

Under Firefox 147, currently 147.0.3. browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.improvesearch.handoffToAwesomebar, the preference is available in about:config and works.

Since Firefox 148, browser.newtabpage.activity-stream.improvesearch.handoffToAwesomebar has been removed.

For information https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1999334

https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=2016227

About Studies https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/shield

Type about:studies into your address bar to see a list of your studies. Click the Remove button next to the study you want to opt out of.

Hi,

Sorry for the inconvenience. The team is working on implementing a modern embedded search UI for the New Tab. For now, unfortunately, you won't be able to change that behavior. The old code has been removed to clean up space for the new one.

Is there a plan to change this on 148 soon?

The previous flags in "About:Config" don't work, and the checkbox in settings is utterly useless, as it just defaults to searching in the URL bar either way.

I do not want this functionality, and no other browser forces this. It's making me want to promptly ditch Firefox completely and find something else to use.

Why is this even a thing? Nobody wants to search in the URL bar.

Please address this ASAP.

Why is this even a thing? Nobody wants to search in the URL bar.

You are mistaken.

However, the decision has been made to temporarily revive this pref for accessibility purposes.

I and apparently others do not appreciate being forced to search from the address bar. I asked this question on the 12, here it is 24 and the problem STILL is not fixed. I swear, Firefox is getting as bad as edge or chrome

I and apparently others do not appreciate being forced to search from the address bar. I asked this question on the 12, here it is 24 and the problem STILL is not fixed. I swear, Firefox is getting as bad as edge or chrome

You have been using an UNSUPPORTED developer feature that has been in that state for years. It's explicitly stated that any about:config pref can disappear at any moment. So it's really weird to blame Firefox here.

I have been searching from the search since I have had a computer, so, can't figure how you think it should be unsupported. AND IT IS THE FAULT OF FIREFOX since THEY changed it,.

Why do they change something that works perfectly well and has done for years, its so frustrating Its been stated it has been reverted back to how it was, but I have rebooted and still it kicks you to the address bar How do I get back to the search field I had in the middle before I ditch Firefox after many years

So has this been fixed yet? It is driving me crazy!

Where is this fix to revert it to a usable state?

Temporary solution is to Not use Firefox landing page or use it then a have a Firefox Home Content "Shortcuts" to your fav search engine (DDG). Click that and use the search bar in page. I know it's a pain that we shouldn't need to bear, but it is what it is until Firefox makes that loud Popping Noise of getting their head out of their rearward facing orifice.