How to Remove Search Bar from Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Windows 11 search bar is a handy tool that lets you quickly find apps, files, and settings. However, not everyone loves having it on their taskbar all the time. Maybe it takes up too much space, or you simply prefer a cleaner, minimalist desktop look.

If that sounds like you, this guide will show you exactly how to remove the search bar from Windows 11 — step by step.

Whether you’re using the latest Windows 11 23H2 update or an older build, we’ll cover all methods — including Settings, Registry Editor, and Group Policy Editor — so you can customize your desktop exactly how you like it.

---

🧭 Quick Summary: How to Remove Search Bar from Windows 11

---

What Is the Search Bar in Windows 11?

The Windows 11 search bar is integrated into the taskbar, allowing you to search your PC and the web instantly.

Depending on your settings, you might see it as:

• A search icon (magnifying glass),

• A search box (with the word “Search”),

• Or a hidden option (no visible search bar).

While convenient, the search bar can sometimes feel unnecessary — especially if you rarely use it or prefer keyboard shortcuts like Windows + S or Windows + Q.

---

Why You Might Want to Remove the Search Bar

Here are a few common reasons users choose to hide or remove the search bar in Windows 11:

• ✅ Clean and minimalist look: The taskbar looks less cluttered.

• ✅ More space: Especially useful on smaller screens or laptops.

• ✅ Performance improvement: Slightly reduces background search indexing activity.

• ✅ Customization preference: You may prefer using shortcuts or third-party launchers.

If any of these resonate with you, you’ll love the following step-by-step instructions.

---

Method 1: Remove Search Bar Using Windows Settings (Easiest Way)

The simplest and safest method to remove the search bar is through the Taskbar Settings.

Step 1: Open Taskbar Settings

1. Right-click anywhere on the taskbar.

2. Select Taskbar settings from the menu.

Step 2: Locate the Search Option

You’ll now see a list of taskbar items such as:

• Search

• Task view

• Widgets

• Chat

Step 3: Turn Off Search

1. Find Search under “Taskbar items.”

2. Click the dropdown next to it and choose Hidden.

Your search bar will instantly disappear from the taskbar. 🎉

💡 Tip: You can still access search anytime by pressing Windows + S.

---

Method 2: Remove Search Icon via Registry Editor (Advanced Method)

If you want deeper customization or you’re on a managed system (where Settings are restricted), the Registry Editor method works great.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can cause issues. Always back it up first.

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type regedit and hit Enter.

3. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).

Step 2: Navigate to the Taskbar Path

In the Registry Editor, go to:

Step 3: Find or Create the “SearchboxTaskbarMode” Key

• On the right side, locate SearchboxTaskbarMode.

• If it doesn’t exist, right-click the blank area → New > DWORD (32-bit) Value → Name it:

  SearchboxTaskbarMode


Step 4: Change the Value

Double-click SearchboxTaskbarMode and enter one of the following:

Enter 0 to completely remove the search bar.
Click OK and restart your computer.

---

Method 3: Use Group Policy Editor (For Windows 11 Pro & Enterprise)

If you’re using Windows 11 Home, you can skip this method (it doesn’t include Group Policy by default).

For Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor

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

Step 2: Navigate to Search Settings

Go to:

Step 3: Find and Edit the Policy

• Locate the policy named:
  “Do not allow search highlights” or “Remove search link from Start Menu”.

• Double-click it to open the configuration window.

Step 4: Disable the Search Bar

1. Select Enabled.

2. Click Apply, then OK.

3. Restart your PC to see changes.

This completely removes the search bar or icon from your taskbar for all users.

---

Method 4: Use PowerShell Command (Tech-Savvy Shortcut)

If you prefer command-line tools, you can quickly disable the search bar using PowerShell.

Step 1: Open PowerShell as Administrator

1. Press Windows + X.

2. Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).

Step 2: Run the Command

Paste this command and press Enter:

Step 3: Restart Explorer

To instantly apply changes without restarting:

Your search bar should now be hidden. ✅

---

Method 5: Temporarily Hide Search Bar Without Disabling It

If you occasionally use the search bar but don’t want it visible all the time, you can temporarily hide it.

Step-by-Step:

1. Right-click the Taskbar.

2. Go to Taskbar settings.

3. Under Taskbar items, click Search → choose Icon only or Hidden.

4. To show it again later, simply change it back.

This method is perfect if you want flexibility without making system-level changes.

---

Method 6: Remove Search Bar from Windows 11 Start Menu

Even after removing it from the taskbar, you might still see search suggestions in the Start Menu. Here’s how to clean those up too.

Step 1: Open Settings

Press Windows + I → go to Privacy & security → Search permissions.

Step 2: Adjust Search Settings

Under “Cloud content search,” turn off:

• Microsoft account

• Work or school account

Step 3: Disable Search Highlights

Go to Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Search
Then toggle Search highlights to Off.

This ensures a clutter-free, privacy-friendly search experience.

---

Method 7: Remove Search Bar in Windows 11 File Explorer

If you’re referring to the File Explorer search bar at the top (not the taskbar one), you can’t fully remove it — but you can limit its visibility.

Step 1: Disable Search Suggestions

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click the three dots (⋯) in the toolbar → Options.

3. Go to the Search tab.

4. Uncheck:

   • “Show recent searches in the search box.”

   • “Don’t use the index when searching in file folders.”

5. Click Apply → OK.

This hides most auto-suggestions and declutters File Explorer searches.

---

Bonus: Access Windows Search Without the Taskbar Icon

If you’ve hidden the search bar but still need to use search occasionally, there are plenty of quick shortcuts.

🔍 Useful Search Shortcuts

These shortcuts let you enjoy the benefits of search — without the visual clutter.

---

Common Issues After Removing the Search Bar

Some users encounter small glitches after modifying taskbar settings. Here’s how to fix them:

---

Troubleshooting Tips

• Restart your computer after making changes.

• If you used Registry Editor, double-check for typos in the key name.

• Make sure Windows Search service isn’t disabled (run services.msc → ensure “Windows Search” is set to Automatic).

• Always create a System Restore Point before editing the registry or policy.

---

Pros and Cons of Removing the Search Bar

---

Key Takeaways

• The Windows 11 search bar can be removed easily via Settings or advanced methods like Registry or Group Policy.

• The quickest way is through Taskbar settings → Search → Hidden.

• You can always access search with Windows + S even when the bar is hidden.

• Advanced users can automate removal using PowerShell or registry tweaks.

• Always back up your system before changing registry or policy settings.

---

Conclusion

That’s it! Now you know exactly how to remove the search bar from Windows 11 — whether you prefer using Settings, PowerShell, or more advanced system tools.

By hiding the search bar, you’ll enjoy a cleaner taskbar, less visual clutter, and a minimalist Windows experience. Don’t worry — you can still search your system instantly with Windows + S whenever you need.

So go ahead and customize your Windows 11 desktop to fit your workflow and personal style.

---

FAQs About Removing the Search Bar in Windows 11

1. Can I completely disable search in Windows 11?

No, search is a core Windows feature. You can hide the search bar or icon, but search will still be accessible via shortcuts.

2. How do I bring back the search bar after hiding it?

Right-click the taskbar → Taskbar settings → Search → choose Search icon and label or Search box.

3. Will hiding the search bar affect Cortana or voice search?

No. Cortana is separate from the taskbar search bar. You can still use voice search via Windows + Q.

4. Does removing the search bar improve performance?

A little. It reduces background processes slightly, especially on lower-end systems.

5. Is it safe to change Registry or Group Policy settings?

Yes, as long as you follow the steps carefully and create a backup before making changes.

---

✅ In summary:
You can remove or hide the search bar in Windows 11 using Taskbar settings, Registry Editor, Group Policy, or PowerShell. It’s quick, reversible, and helps create a clean, distraction-free desktop.