Windows 11 comes with plenty of sleek features and design improvements, but not everyone is a fan of its default setup. One common annoyance for many users is the search bar that sits on the taskbar. While it’s handy for quick searches, some find it distracting, unnecessary, or simply a waste of screen space.
If you’re nodding along thinking, “Yes, that’s me!”, then this guide is just for you. In this article, we’ll cover how to remove the search bar in Windows 11 step by step, explore different methods, and even show you how to customize it to fit your workflow better.
Why Remove the Search Bar in Windows 11?
Before diving into the “how-to,” let’s quickly cover the “why.”
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Cleaner Taskbar: Removing the search bar gives you more room for app icons.
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Boosted Focus: A minimalist taskbar means fewer distractions.
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Customization: Windows should work for you, not the other way around.
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Alternative Shortcuts: You can still search using shortcuts like
Win + SorWinkey directly.
So, if you rarely use the search bar, it makes sense to hide it.
Different Ways to Remove the Search Bar in Windows 11
Microsoft offers more than one way to control how the search bar appears. Let’s go through them step by step.
Method 1: Remove Search Bar via Taskbar Settings
This is the simplest method and works for most users.
Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar
Right-click on any empty space on your taskbar.
Step 2: Select “Taskbar Settings”
A small menu will pop up. Click Taskbar settings.
Step 3: Customize the Search Option
In the Taskbar items section, you’ll see a toggle for Search. You can:
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Turn it off completely.
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Change it from a Search box to a Search icon (if you still want quick access).
Method 2: Remove Search Bar Using Windows Settings App
If you prefer going through the Settings app, here’s how:
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Go to Personalization
In the left-hand sidebar, select Personalization.
Step 3: Select Taskbar
Click on Taskbar.
Step 4: Adjust Search Bar
Under Taskbar items, locate Search and turn it off.
Method 3: Using Registry Editor (Advanced Users Only)
Want a more technical approach? The Registry Editor lets you control almost every aspect of Windows—including the search bar.
⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause issues. Proceed carefully.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Explorer Settings
Go to:
Step 3: Modify SearchBoxTaskbarMode
Find the key named SearchBoxTaskbarMode.
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Set value
0= Hide search -
Set value
1= Show search icon -
Set value
2= Show search box
Step 4: Restart Explorer
Restart your computer or log out and back in for changes to take effect.
Method 4: Using Group Policy Editor (For Pro/Enterprise Users)
If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can use Group Policy.
Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor
Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Search Settings
Go to:
Step 3: Configure Search Box
Double-click Do not allow search on the taskbar and enable it.
Alternative Ways to Search Without the Taskbar
Just because you remove the search bar doesn’t mean you lose search functionality.
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Press
WinKey → Opens Start menu where you can instantly type your query. -
Use
Win + SShortcut → Directly opens Windows Search. -
Voice Search (Cortana) → Available if enabled, just say what you need.
So don’t worry—you’ll still have all the search power without the clutter.
How to Bring the Search Bar Back in Windows 11
Changed your mind? No problem.
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Right-click the taskbar → Go to Taskbar settings → Toggle Search back on.
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Or go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and enable Search again.
Flexibility is the beauty of Windows 11!
Troubleshooting: Search Option Missing in Settings
Sometimes users report that the Search option is missing in taskbar settings. If that happens:
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Check for Updates: Run
Win + I→ Windows Update. -
Restart Windows Explorer: Open Task Manager (
Ctrl + Shift + Esc) → Restart Windows Explorer. -
Run SFC/DISM: Use
sfc /scannowin Command Prompt to repair corrupted files.
Pros and Cons of Removing the Search Bar
Like every tweak, this comes with ups and downs.
Pros
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Cleaner look
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More taskbar space
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Fewer distractions
Cons
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One extra click/shortcut to search
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New users may find it less convenient
Extra Customization Tips for Windows 11 Taskbar
If you’re already tweaking the taskbar, why stop at the search bar? Here are more ideas:
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Move Taskbar Icons to the Left: Settings > Personalization > Taskbar alignment.
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Hide Widgets: Toggle off Widgets in Taskbar settings.
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Remove Task View: Disable it if you don’t use virtual desktops.
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Auto-hide the Taskbar: Saves even more screen space.
When Should You Keep the Search Bar?
While minimalists love hiding it, some users may prefer keeping it:
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If you search for files/programs constantly.
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If you’re new to Windows and rely on visual search tools.
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If you want one-click access without remembering shortcuts.
Conclusion
The search bar in Windows 11 is useful, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re after a cleaner, more focused desktop, hiding it is a quick win. Whether you go through Taskbar settings, the Settings app, Registry Editor, or Group Policy, the process is straightforward.
And remember, nothing is permanent—you can always bring the search bar back if you change your mind.
So go ahead, tweak your Windows 11 taskbar, and make your workspace truly yours.
FAQs
1. Can I completely disable search in Windows 11?
No, you can only hide the search bar. The search function itself will still work through shortcuts or the Start menu.
2. Is it safe to remove the search bar using Registry Editor?
Yes, if done correctly. Just make sure to back up your registry before making changes.
3. Why can’t I find the search option in taskbar settings?
This could be due to a system glitch or outdated Windows version. Check for updates or restart Explorer.
4. Does hiding the search bar improve performance?
Not significantly, but it can make your desktop look cleaner and reduce distractions.
5. Can I replace the search bar with third-party search tools?
Yes! Tools like Everything or Listary can offer faster, more advanced search options than the built-in one.