Getting rid of the search bar from your Windows 11 taskbar isn’t a big deal, but it’s one of those little tweaks that can make your desktop look a lot tidier. Maybe after a Windows update, the search icon still sticks around, or you just want a cleaner look without it. No worries — here’s how to do it, with a few tips along the way.
How to Remove the Search Bar from Windows 11 Taskbar
This will help tidy up your taskbar and get rid of that stubborn search box, especially if you don’t use it much and it’s just taking up space.
Step 1: Right-Click on the Taskbar
Right-click anywhere on an empty part of your taskbar. Yeah, just the blank space, no icons or open apps. When you do that, a menu pops up. That’s your ticket to changing things up.
Step 2: Click on “Taskbar Settings”
Select “Taskbar settings”. It’ll open a new window with a bunch of options — what icons appear, system tray stuff, and all that. If you don’t see it right away, a quick Windows update might help, but usually it’s there.
Step 3: Find “Taskbar Items”
Scroll down a bit, and you’ll spot the “Taskbar items” section. Look for it — sometimes it’s hidden under other sections if your window’s shrunk or the display is weird.
Step 4: Turn off “Search”
Find the switch labelled “Search”. Flip it from On to Off. And just like that, the search box disappears, giving your taskbar a neater look. In some setups, the icon might turn into a tiny magnifying glass or vanish altogether.
Step 5: Close the Settings window
You can just close the window — your change should take effect straight away. No need to restart your PC. Sometimes, though, on the first go, the icon might hang around until you restart Windows Explorer or reboot. If that happens, you can restart Explorer from the Task Manager.
And that’s all there is to it. The search bar’s gone, giving you more room for your pinned apps or whatever else you want on your desktop. Remember, this doesn’t disable search — you can still activate it quickly with Windows + S or Windows + Q if you prefer typing it out.
Tips for Removing the Search Bar from Windows 11 Taskbar
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Pro tip: Take a look at other icons like Widgets or Chat — you might want to turn those off too if you’re going for a minimalist vibe.
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Remember, hiding the icon doesn’t *disable* search — it just hides the shortcut. Search still works via keyboard shortcuts.
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If you change your mind later, just head back into Taskbar settings and toggle “Search” back on. Easy as.
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For more control, check out Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar. Sometimes updates mess with these options, so keep an eye on them.
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If you’re game, you can even tweak the registry for more advanced changes, but that’s a whole other story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use the search function without the search bar?
Absolutely. Just hit Windows + S or start typing in the start menu and it’ll come up. Search isn’t gone, it’s just out of sight.
Is removing the search bar reversible?
Too right. Just follow the same steps and pop the toggle back on. Nothing stuck in cement here, so go on, experiment!
Will removing the search bar slow down my PC?
Nah, not at all. It’s just a visual thing. Hiding the icon or search box doesn’t slow your machine or affect file indexing and things like that. The search is still chugging along in the background.
Can I remove other icons from the taskbar the same way?
For sure. Just toggle off things like Widgets, Chat, or other icons under Taskbar items. It’s all up to you.
Does hiding the search bar delete any files or info?
Nope. Nothing gets deleted. It’s just hiding the shortcut, your files and search history stay put.
Quick recap of the steps
- Right-click the taskbar
- Select “Taskbar settings”
- Scroll down to “Taskbar items”
- Switch off “Search”
- Close the settings, and enjoy the cleaner look
Wrapping it up
Once you’ve taken the search box out of the way, Windows 11 feels a bit tidier and more tailored to your style. Small tweak, big difference. If your desktop looks a bit neater after this, it’s a win in my book.
It’s not a massive tech fix, but these little changes can make your day a whole lot easier — less clutter, more space for what you actually want. And if you ever want the search back, it’s a couple of clicks away. Give it a go and see what suits your style best.
What’s the bottom line?
Quick summary
- Right-click taskbar & pick “Taskbar settings”
- Scroll to “Taskbar items” and turn off “Search”
- Close settings, and enjoy your cleaner desktop
Hopefully this helps someone declutter a bit — no more accidental clicks on that bloody search icon every time you’re just trying to open an app.