How to Remove Search Bar on Taskbar in Windows 10

Don’t like the big fat search bar on your Windows 10 taskbar? Learn how to remove it in simple and easy steps.

One of the major changes in Windows 10 is the addition of a search bar on the taskbar, right next to the Windows/Start menu icon. This big search box makes searching and finding files and apps easy. However, for many users, the dedicated search bar is redundant because they use the Start menu search instead. For example, it’s often easier to simply press the Windows key and start typing than it is to click on the search bar or use a separate keyboard shortcut to invoke it.

Thankfully, if you don’t use it, you can easily remove the search bar on the taskbar in Windows 10 quite easily. All you have to do is modify a single option in the taskbar settings and you are good to go. Once removed, it frees up a lot of space on the taskbar so that you can pin more apps and taskbar widgets. This guide shows you how to do it in simple steps. Let’s get started.

Steps to Remove Taskbar Search Bar in Windows 10

To hide or completely remove the search bar, follow the steps below.

1. Right-click on empty space on the taskbar.
2. Go to the “Search” option.
3. Select the “Hidden” option.
   

That is all. As soon as you select the “Hidden” option, the search bar is removed from the Windows 10 taskbar. You can still search for files and applications directly from the Start menu. Just press the Windows Key to open the Start menu and start typing to search for things.

Note: If you don’t want to completely remove the search bar, you can shrink it instead to icon only. To do that, right-click on empty space on the taskbar and select the “Search” > “Show search icon” option.

Steps to Display Search Bar on the Taskbar in Windows 10

If you want the dedicated search bar on the taskbar, you can enable it via taskbar itself. Here’s how.

1. Right-click on empty space on the taskbar.
2. Select “Search” > “Show search box“.
3. This action will restore the search box on the taskbar.

From now on, you can see the full search bar on the taskbar. Like before, you can search directly by typing in it.

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That is all. It is that simple to hide the search bar on the taskbar in Windows 10. If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.