Windows 11 brought a sleek and modern design to our desktops, along with a refreshed taskbar that many users either love or hate. One of the most noticeable features is the search bar (or search box) sitting right in the middle or left side of the taskbar.
For some people, it’s convenient. For others, it’s just extra clutter. If you’re in the second group and want a cleaner look, you’ve probably asked: How do I remove the search bar from the taskbar in Windows 11?
The good news is—it’s quick and easy! In this guide, I’ll walk you through multiple ways to hide, minimize, or completely remove the search bar in Windows 11.
Why Remove the Search Bar from Taskbar?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to hide the search bar:
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Cleaner desktop look – More room for pinned apps.
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Less distraction – You might not use it often.
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You prefer keyboard shortcuts – Like Windows + S for search.
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Performance reasons – Fewer taskbar elements sometimes mean smoother performance on lower-end PCs.
Different Forms of Search in Windows 11
Depending on your Windows 11 version, the search bar might look slightly different:
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Search icon (magnifying glass) – Small and minimal.
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Search button with label – Text that says “Search.”
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Search box – A full text box right on the taskbar.
The steps below let you switch between these or remove it entirely.
Method 1 – Remove Search Bar via Taskbar Settings
This is the easiest and most user-friendly way.
Step 1: Open Taskbar Settings
Right-click an empty space on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
Step 2: Find the Search Option
Scroll down until you see the Search section.
Step 3: Choose Your Preference
Click the dropdown next to Search. You’ll see options like:
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Hidden (removes it completely)
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Search icon only
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Search icon and label
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Search box
Select Hidden to remove it.
Method 2 – Remove Search Bar from Settings App
If you prefer using the Settings app instead of right-clicking:
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
On the left menu, click Personalization.
Step 3: Open Taskbar Settings
Click Taskbar on the right panel.
Step 4: Adjust Search Bar
Under Taskbar items, expand the Search option and set it to Hidden.
Method 3 – Remove Search Bar Using Group Policy Editor
This works if you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise.
Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor
Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Search Policies
Go to:
Step 3: Disable Search Box
Look for the policy Do not allow search box on taskbar. Double-click it, select Enabled, and click Apply.
Method 4 – Remove Search Bar via Registry Editor
If you’re on Windows 11 Home, this method works best.
⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry can cause issues if done incorrectly. Always back up before making changes.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Search Key
Go to:
Step 3: Modify Value
Find the entry SearchboxTaskbarMode. Change its value to:
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0 = Hidden
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1 = Show icon only
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2 = Show search box
Set it to 0 and restart your PC.
Method 5 – Use Keyboard Shortcut Instead of Taskbar Search
Even after removing the search bar, you can still search anytime by pressing Windows + S.
This opens the same search interface—without needing the taskbar box.
Method 6 – Remove Search Icon via PowerShell
For advanced users, PowerShell offers a quick command.
Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator
Search for PowerShell, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.
Step 2: Run Command
Type the following command and hit Enter:
Restart your computer to apply changes.
Alternative Option: Minimize Instead of Remove
Not ready to completely remove it? You can simply switch to the Search icon only mode. This keeps search accessible while saving taskbar space.
What Happens After You Remove the Search Bar?
Don’t worry—you won’t lose search functionality. Here’s how you can still search:
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Use Windows + S.
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Use the Start menu (just start typing after opening it).
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Use Cortana (if installed).
So, removing the bar doesn’t mean losing search—it just cleans up your taskbar.
Benefits of Removing Search Bar
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More space for apps on taskbar.
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Cleaner, minimalist desktop.
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Avoid accidental clicks.
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Still have full access to search via shortcuts.
When Should You Keep the Search Bar?
You might want to keep it if:
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You search for files and apps constantly.
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You prefer clicking instead of using shortcuts.
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You like the modern look of the search box.
Tips for a Cleaner Taskbar in Windows 11
If you’re customizing your taskbar, here are some other quick tweaks:
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Hide Widgets.
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Remove Chat/Teams.
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Auto-hide taskbar for a distraction-free screen.
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Pin only essential apps.
Conclusion
Removing the search bar from the taskbar in Windows 11 is simple and gives your desktop a cleaner, more personalized look. Whether you use Taskbar settings, the Settings app, Registry Editor, or Group Policy, you can hide it in just a few clicks.
The best part? You can still access search anytime using keyboard shortcuts or the Start menu. So, if you want a tidier workspace without losing functionality, hiding the search bar is a great choice.
FAQs
Q1: Will removing the search bar disable Windows Search completely?
No, search still works. You can access it via Windows + S or the Start menu.
Q2: Can I bring the search bar back after hiding it?
Yes! Just go back into Taskbar settings and re-enable it.
Q3: Is there a difference between “search box” and “search icon”?
Yes. The search box is a full text bar, while the icon is just a small magnifying glass.
Q4: Do I need Windows 11 Pro to remove the search bar?
No. Any edition can remove it through Taskbar settings. Pro users just get extra control via Group Policy.
Q5: Does removing the search bar improve performance?
On modern PCs, the difference is tiny. But on older or low-powered devices, it may free up a bit of memory.