Moving the search bar in Windows 11 isn’t as easy as just drag-and-drop anymore — it’s a bit of a pain, honestly. Some setups make it look like you can’t move it at all, but there are still ways to tweak things so it feels a bit more flexible without it feeling nailed down. Here’s what’s worked for a fair few blokes and sheilas — a bit dodgy, but it gets the job done.
How to “Move” the Search Bar in Windows 11 — Not Quite, But Nearly
First off, Windows 11 doesn’t have that handy drag-to-move search box like the old days. Instead, what you can do is hide it and use shortcuts or alternate search methods that make it feel like it’s somewhere else. Keeps your taskbar tidy and search feels a bit more at your fingertips.
Method 1: Turn Off Search Button and Use Start Menu or Keyboard Shortcut
Why bother? Because knocking off the search icon frees up some space on your taskbar, so it doesn’t look so cluttered, and you can fire up search anytime with a quick keyboard shortcut.
When’s it handy? If the search bar or icon is taking up too much room or just bugging you.
What happens? No visible search icon, but you can still bang in Windows + S to search quick as a flash.
Heads up — sometimes you might need to reboot or sign out to fully hide the icon, especially if you’ve tinkered with taskbar settings. Windows throws in a few quirks here and there.
- Right-click the taskbar and pick Taskbar Settings.
- Scroll down to the Taskbar Items bit.
- Switch off Search.
After doing that, the search icon vanishes, but you can still summon search instantly with Windows + S. It’s a bit odd, but it works. Basically, hiding the search box but keeping quick access — classic Windows magic.
Method 2: Use the Hidden Search in the Start Menu
Simple as, just click the Start button and start typing. Easy as. Removing the taskbar icon nudges you to rely on the Start Menu for searching instead.
Why do it? Keeps things tidy and your desktop minimal. Once you get used to just typing, it’s pretty effective.
Don’t expect a fancy search box, but it’s quite functional — just a bit more clicking.
- Right-click the taskbar, then choose Taskbar Settings.
- Switch off the Search toggle.
Method 3: Try Out Some Third-party Tools or Widgets
If you’re keen for more, there are apps out there that can replace or add to the Windows search bar. You’ll often find them sitting somewhere on your desktop or as an overlay on your screen. Some can be positioned anywhere, with themes and quick-access buttons. Sounds good, right?
Why bother? Because Windows can be a bit limited in where you can put the search bar, and these third-party options fill that gap. Plus, they can be faster or look prettier.
Just make sure you download them from reputable sources — no point inviting malware into your system.
- Look up tools like StarDock’s ObjectDock, Wox, or PowerToys Run.
- Set them up where you want and assign keys to open ’em.
In the end, you’ll get a more custom, flexible search setup — sometimes better than the native one, depending on what you’re after.
Tips if You Want to Have a Bit More “Movement”
- Check for updates — sometimes Microsoft sneaks in new options without you knowing.
- Take a squiz at taskbar customisation options — maybe in some insider builds, they give you more control.
- Play with third-party tools for even more tweaking.
- If you’re good with scripting, PowerShell or AutoHotKey might let you automate focusing on search boxes where you want them.
FAQs for the Curious
Can I drag the search bar somewhere else?
Nah, mate. Windows 11 just doesn’t let you drag the search box around like the old Windows days. You can hide it, and simulate moving it with shortcuts or third-party apps, but that’s about it.
Can I resize the search box?
Nah, that’s a no-go. Windows doesn’t support resizing — you either get the icon, the box, or nothing. Typical Microsoft keeping things locked down, eh?
What about changing Cortana or other voice helpers?
Cortana’s pretty much a thing of the past in Windows 11, but if voice control’s your thing, you can tweak Windows Speech settings. That’s a whole other yarn, though.
Wrap-up
- Hide the search icon in Taskbar Settings.
- Use Windows + S for a quick search fix.
- Look into third-party launchers if you want more control over where the search lives.
- Remember, Windows can be a bit controlling — sometimes you gotta get creative to have it your way.
Hopefully, this helps save you a few hours. Windows has a way of complicating simple stuff, but there’s always a workaround. Good luck with the tinkering, mate!