How to Add or Remove Search Icon on Taskbar in Windows 11

Windows 11 has a new Search icon on the taskbar. Here is how to add or remove the Search on the Windows 11 taskbar.

Windows 11 brought many new changes to the User Interface (UI). One of those changes is the new search bar or search icon on the taskbar. Clicking it opens the Search pane, where you can search for files, apps, and more. While it look a bit different, it is the same as the Start menu search.

With the search on the taskbar, Microsoft’s intention is that it will help users search for things they need much more easily. However, in the real world, a vast majority of Windows users use the Start menu to search for apps and files. That means the Search bar or icon on the taskbar is nothing but wasted space, especially on smaller screens. Thankfully, you can easily remove search from the taskbar in the Settings app. Of course, when you want it, you can just as easily show it. In this quick and easy guide, I will show you how to do it in simple steps. Let’s get started.

Jump to:

1. Remove the taskbar search icon or search bar
2. Add the taskbar search icon or search bar

How To Remove or Hide the Search on the Taskbar on Windows 11

You need to change the “Search” option in the Settings app to hide or remove the Search icon/bar on the taskbar in Windows 11. Here is where to find and change it.

1. Right-click on the taskbar.
2. Select the “Taskbar settings” option.
3. Expand the “Taskbar items” section.
4. Select “Hide” from the “Search” dropdown menu.
5. Close the Settings.
6. The search icon/bar on the taskbar is removed instantly.

Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)

The first thing you should do is open the Taskbar settings page. To do that, right-click on the taskbar and select the “Taskbar settings” option. You can also go to the same page via “Settings” > “Personalization” > “Taskbar”.

In the Taskbar settings page, expand the “Taskbar items” section and select “Hide” from the “Search” dropdown menu.

As soon as you do that, Windows 11 will hide/remove the Search bar/icon on the taskbar.

How To Add or Show the Search on the Taskbar on Windows 11

To add the Search to the Windows 11 taskbar, we need to change the Search option on the Taskbar settings page. Here is how to do it.

1. Right-click on the taskbar.
2. Select the “Taskbar settings” option.
3. Expand the “Taskbar items” section.
4. Select one of the following options from the “Search” dropdown.
   1. Search icon only
   2. Search icon and label
   3. Search box
5. Close the Settings.
6. With that, the Search is instantly added to the taskbar.

Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)

The first thing you should do is open the Taskbar settings page. To do that, right-click on the taskbar and select the “Taskbar settings” option. You can also go to the same page via “Settings” > “Personalization” > “Taskbar”.

Now, click the “Taskbar items” section and then choose one of the following options from the “Search” dropdown.

• Search icon only – Shows the search icon only on the taskbar.
• Search icon and label – Shows the search icon with label in a pill-shaped box.
• Search box – Shows the full search bar

In my case, I’ve selected “Search icon only”, and you can see the result below.

That is all. It is that simple to add or remove the Search icon from the taskbar in Windows 11. If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.

Another beginner’s guide: How to open folder options in Windows 11 File Explorer.