How to Get Rid of Search Bar in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 5, 2025

Are you tired of the search bar cluttering your Windows 11 taskbar? You’re not alone. Many users prefer a cleaner, more minimalist desktop experience — and that often means getting rid of the Windows 11 search bar.

In this detailed, beginner-friendly guide, we’ll show you exactly how to hide or remove the search bar in Windows 11, step by step. Whether you want to disable it temporarily, remove it from the taskbar completely, or use alternative search methods, we’ve got you covered.

🧭 Summary: Key Takeaways

Method Description Difficulty
Taskbar Settings Hide the search icon or box directly from the taskbar settings ⭐ Easy
Registry Editor Permanently disable the search box (advanced users) ⚙️ Moderate
Group Policy Editor Turn off search for multiple users or enterprise setups 🏢 Advanced
Alternative Methods Access search without the bar using shortcuts or Start Menu 💡 Simple

1. What Is the Search Bar in Windows 11?

The Windows 11 search bar is located on the taskbar, usually beside the Start button. It allows you to search for files, apps, web results, and settings quickly.

However, in the latest versions of Windows 11, Microsoft made it more prominent — sometimes even larger than users prefer.

2. Why You Might Want to Remove It

There are several reasons to remove or hide the search bar:

  • 🧹 Clean desktop look — It gives your taskbar a minimalist appearance.

  • ⚡ Better performance — Slightly reduces background search indexing activity.

  • 🎯 Avoid clutter — Focus on the icons you actually use.

  • 🖥️ More space — Useful on smaller screens or tablets.

If you rely on shortcuts or Start Menu search, the search bar isn’t essential — you can safely hide it.

3. How to Get Rid of Search Bar in Windows 11 (Taskbar Settings Method)

This is the easiest and quickest way to remove the search bar.

🪟 Step-by-Step:

  1. Right-click on the taskbar.

  2. Select Taskbar settings.

  3. Under Taskbar items, find Search.

  4. Click the dropdown menu next to it.

  5. Choose Hidden.

✅ Result: The search bar disappears instantly from your taskbar.

4. How to Remove Search Bar Using Windows Settings

You can also hide the search bar from the main Settings app.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Personalization → Taskbar.

  3. Scroll down to the Taskbar items section.

  4. Toggle Search to Off or set it to Hidden.

💡 Tip: You can also set it to “Search icon only” if you want to keep a small magnifying glass icon instead of the full bar.

5. How to Turn Off Search Highlights

Even after removing the search bar, search highlights (daily icons or promotions) might still appear.

To disable them:

  1. Open the Search interface (press Windows + S).

  2. Click the three dots (···) in the top-right corner.

  3. Select Search settings.

  4. Toggle Show search highlights to Off.

6. How to Disable Search from the Taskbar via Registry Editor

If you’re comfortable editing the registry, this method gives complete control.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Always back up your registry first.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search

  3. Find the SearchboxTaskbarMode entry.

    • If it doesn’t exist, right-click → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value → name it SearchboxTaskbarMode.

  4. Double-click it and set the Value data to:

    • 0 = Hidden

    • 1 = Show icon only

    • 2 = Show search box

  5. Click OK and restart your PC.

✅ Result: The search bar will be gone after restart.

7. How to Remove Search Bar Using Group Policy Editor

This option is great for IT admins or those managing multiple devices.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Go to:

    User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Start Menu and Taskbar

  3. Double-click Search: Allow search highlights or similar settings.

  4. Set it to Disabled.

  5. Click Apply and OK.

Then restart your system for the changes to apply.

8. How to Use Search Without the Search Bar

Even after you remove the search bar, you can still search easily in Windows 11.

Alternative methods:

  • 🔍 Press Windows + S — opens the search window instantly.

  • 🪟 Open the Start Menu and start typing.

  • 💬 Use Voice Search via Cortana (if enabled).

  • 🧭 Use File Explorer search for file-specific results.

So you lose nothing — except unnecessary clutter.

9. How to Re-enable the Search Bar Later

Changed your mind? You can bring it back anytime.

  1. Right-click the taskbar → Taskbar settings.

  2. Find Search and select Search box or Search icon only.

The search bar returns immediately — no restart needed.

10. Troubleshooting: Can’t Remove the Search Bar?

If the search bar doesn’t disappear, try the following:

  • ✅ Restart Windows Explorer via Task Manager.

  • ✅ Reboot your PC.

  • ✅ Update Windows 11 — newer builds fix taskbar bugs.

  • ✅ Ensure you’re not in tablet mode (which sometimes locks the layout).

11. Alternative: Replace Search with Cortana or Taskbar Shortcuts

You can replace the search bar with:

  • 🗣️ Cortana voice search

  • ⚙️ Pinned shortcuts like Settings or File Explorer

  • 🔗 Custom icons using taskbar personalization tools

This makes your taskbar cleaner but still functional.

12. Pros and Cons of Removing the Search Bar

Pros ✅ Cons ❌
Cleaner and more minimalist interface Slightly slower to access search manually
More room for taskbar icons May confuse new users
Reduces background indexing Some third-party apps rely on taskbar search

13. How to Keep Windows Search Functional Without the Icon

You can keep the search service running while hiding the UI:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Locate Windows Search.

  3. Ensure it’s set to Automatic and running.

This keeps background search indexing active even if the bar is hidden.

14. Tips for a Cleaner, Minimal Taskbar

  • Hide other icons like Widgets and Task View.

  • Use small taskbar buttons for compactness.

  • Enable auto-hide taskbar in Settings.

  • Align icons to center or left — whichever feels cleaner.

15. Conclusion: Customize Windows 11 Your Way

Removing the search bar in Windows 11 is simple and reversible.
You can hide it via Taskbar settings, Registry Editor, or Group Policy, depending on your comfort level.

Once hidden, you’ll enjoy a more focused workspace — without sacrificing search functionality. And if you ever miss it? One click brings it back.

🧠 Pro Tip: Keep the search shortcut (Windows + S) handy — it’s faster than using the search bar anyway.

16. FAQs About Removing Search Bar in Windows 11

1. Can I completely disable Windows Search?

Yes, through Services (services.msc) by stopping the Windows Search service — but this is not recommended as it affects indexing and search inside apps.

2. Why does the search bar keep coming back after updates?

Windows updates sometimes reset taskbar settings. You’ll need to hide it again manually.

3. Does removing the search bar improve performance?

Slightly — it reduces taskbar rendering and background processes, though the difference is minor on modern PCs.

4. Can I use the search feature without the bar?

Absolutely. Press Windows + S or start typing in the Start Menu to use search.

5. How do I make the search icon smaller instead of removing it?

Go to Taskbar settings → Search → Search icon only to keep a compact magnifying glass icon.

✅ Key Takeaways

  • You can remove the search bar in seconds using Taskbar settings.

  • Advanced users can use Registry Editor or Group Policy.

  • Search remains accessible via shortcuts like Windows + S.

  • Ideal for users who prefer clean, minimalist desktops.

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