This week saw Google begin wide-spread roll out of their latest search innovation dubbed Instant Search. Instant Search aims to remove the traditional search button from the Google home page and instead begin streaming search results as you input your search terms. Google’s sales pitch regarding the feature, is that it will speed up access to content the users are searching for. If you shave just a few seconds off of every search – it begins to add up. Whether Instant Search takes the world by storm and continues to extend Google’s search dominance remains to be seen.

For some, myself included, other than being visually impressive, question whether it’s all worthwhile. There is no question the feature requires more bandwidth – you are getting stream search results before your query is even finished, so they likely aren’t accurate initially. Secondly, it can be rather distracting as the text rapidly changes as you type on the screen. While your rationales may  differ from mine, you should know it’s possible to disable the feature and revert to the more traditional style of search.

Method one involves changing your search settings in your Google account – assuming you have an account and you are logged in during the browsing session. This method is desirable if you have multiple computers; you turn off Instant Search once and the preference is reflected at all other access points.

Access your search settings in the upper right section of the main Google search page.

Locate the section referring to Instant Search and disable it via the radio button.

If you don’t have a Google account or otherwise just want to turn it off on a computer by computer  basis, that option is available to you but it can easily be overlooked.

From the Google search box begin an instant search and notice the instant is on label that now appears to the right of the search input form. Click the drop-down and choose off to restore the more common search interface.