diff --git a/helix-term/src/commands.rs b/helix-term/src/commands.rs
index 841af22a..a7a71576 100644
--- a/helix-term/src/commands.rs
+++ b/helix-term/src/commands.rs
@@ -1143,7 +1143,8 @@ fn search_selection(cx: &mut Context) {
     let query = doc.selection(view.id).primary().fragment(contents);
     let regex = regex::escape(&query);
     cx.editor.registers.get_mut('/').push(regex);
-    search_next(cx);
+    let msg = format!("register '{}' set to '{}'", '\\', query);
+    cx.editor.set_status(msg);
 }
 
 fn extend_line(cx: &mut Context) {