How to disable Taskbar search box on Windows 11

If you don't like the Taskbar search box, use these steps to disable it on Windows 11.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak
@Pureinfotech
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Windows 11 Taskbar no search box
Windows 11 Taskbar no search box

On Windows 11, you can remove the search box from the Taskbar, and in this guide, you will learn two ways to complete this task.

Although the search box in the Taskbar can come in handy to quickly find files, apps, settings, and web results, it’s a giant visual element that takes up a lot of space that you can use to pin other apps. If you prefer not to show the search box, Windows 11 includes a couple of ways to disable the feature. However, whether you choose to use the Settings app or the Registry option, you will only be removing the box from Taskbar since will still be able to access the search experience from the Start menu or using the “Windows key + S” keyboard shortcut.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to disable the desktop search box widget on Windows 11.

Warning: It’s crucial to note that modifying the Registry can cause serious problems if not used properly. It’s assumed you know what you’re doing and created a full backup of your system before proceeding.

Disable Taskbar search box on Windows 11

To remove the Taskbar search box on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Under the “Taskbar items” section, choose the Hide option for the “Search” setting.

    Windows 11 remove search box from Taskbar

  4. (Optional) Choose the “Search icon only” option to remove the box and keep the icon in the Taskbar.

Once you complete the steps, the search box will no longer be available in the Taskbar. However, you can still search using the “Windows key + S” keyboard shortcut or from the search box inside the Start menu.

Disable Taskbar search box from Registry

To remove the search box from the Taskbar through the Registry, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry.

  3. Browse to the following path:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search

  4. Double-click the SearchboxTaskbarMode key and set its value to 0.

    Registry disable search box from Taskbar

    Quick note: To select the “Search icon only” option the value is 1, use 2 for the “Search box,” and 3 for the “Search button” option.

  5. Click the OK button.

  6. Restart the computer.

After you complete the steps, the search box will be removed from the Taskbar on Windows 11, according to your setting selection.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].