Windows

How To Remove Search Bar In Windows 10

Are you tired of the search bar taking up precious space on your Windows 10 taskbar? Well, you're not alone. Many users find the search bar to be intrusive and unnecessary. But fear not, because there is a way to remove it and regain that valuable real estate on your screen.

To remove the search bar in Windows 10, you can follow these simple steps. First, right-click anywhere on your taskbar and select "Cortana" from the menu. Then, you'll see the option to either show the search box, show the search icon, or disable it completely. Choose the option that suits your preferences, and voila, the search bar will be gone, giving you a cleaner and more streamlined desktop experience.



How To Remove Search Bar In Windows 10

Customizing Your Windows 10 Experience: Removing the Search Bar

Windows 10 offers a range of customization options to suit your personal preferences and optimize your workflow. One such customization option is the ability to remove the search bar from your desktop or taskbar. Whether you prefer a clean and minimalistic desktop or want to free up some space on your taskbar, removing the search bar can help streamline your Windows 10 experience. In this article, we will guide you through the process of removing the search bar in Windows 10, enabling you to tailor your desktop to better suit your needs.

Method 1: Removing the Search Bar from the Taskbar

If you want to remove the search bar from your taskbar, the simplest method is to right-click on an empty space on the taskbar and select "Search" from the context menu. This will display a submenu with three options: "Show search icon," "Show Cortana icon," and "Hidden."

To remove the search bar completely, click on the "Hidden" option. This will immediately remove the search bar from your taskbar, resulting in a clean and clutter-free desktop. If you still want to be able to access the search functionality, you can choose to display either the search icon or Cortana icon instead, depending on your preference.

Please note that this method only removes the search bar from the taskbar and not from the Start menu or File Explorer. If you want to remove it from those locations as well, refer to the following methods.

Method 1 (a): Removing the Search Bar from the Start Menu

In addition to removing the search bar from the taskbar, you might also want to remove it from the Start menu to create a more streamlined interface. Unfortunately, Windows 10 does not offer a built-in option to remove the search bar directly from the Start menu. However, you can still achieve this by using a third-party customization tool.

One such tool is Classic Shell, a free software that allows you to customize various aspects of the Windows interface, including the Start menu. By installing Classic Shell, you can replace the default Windows 10 Start menu with a more customizable version and remove the search bar altogether.

To remove the search bar from the Start menu using Classic Shell, follow these steps:

  • Download and install Classic Shell from the official website.
  • Launch the Classic Start Menu settings by right-clicking on the Start button and selecting "Settings."
  • In the Classic Start Menu settings, go to the "Start Menu Style" tab and choose a style that does not include the search bar.
  • Apply the changes and close the settings.

Method 1 (b): Removing the Search Bar from File Explorer

To further enhance the clean and minimalistic look of your Windows 10 desktop, you may want to remove the search bar from the File Explorer window as well. Unlike the taskbar and Start menu, you can remove the search bar from File Explorer without the need for third-party tools.

Follow these steps to remove the search bar from File Explorer:

  • Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon on your taskbar or by pressing Windows key + E.
  • In the File Explorer window, click on the "View" tab in the ribbon menu.
  • In the "View" tab, click on the "Options" button located on the right side. This opens the Folder Options window.
  • In the Folder Options window, go to the "View" tab.
  • Scroll down and locate the checkbox that says, "Display the full path in the title bar." Uncheck this checkbox.
  • Click on the "Apply" button and then on "OK" to save the changes.

Method 2: Using Registry Editor to Remove the Search Bar

If you prefer a more advanced method, you can use the Registry Editor to remove the search bar from both the taskbar and the Start menu. The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to modify various settings in Windows.

Before making any changes to the Registry, it is essential to create a backup to prevent any potential issues. To remove the search bar using the Registry Editor, follow these steps:

  • Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search
  • In the right pane, right-click on an empty space and select "New" → "DWORD (32-bit) Value."
  • Name the new value "SearchboxTaskbarMode."
  • Double-click on the newly created value and set its data to "00000000."

Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect. After the restart, the search bar will be removed from both the taskbar and the Start menu.

Enhancing Your Windows 10 Experience: Personalizing Your Desktop

Windows 10 offers a wide range of customization options that allow you to personalize your desktop and make it truly your own. Removing the search bar is just one aspect of customization, but there are many other options you can explore to create a desktop environment that suits your unique preferences and needs.

Whether it's customizing the taskbar, changing the desktop background, or tweaking the appearance of windows, Windows 10 provides a wealth of options for you to play around with. By experimenting with different settings and personalizing your desktop, you can make your computing experience more enjoyable and productive.

Remember, your desktop is your personal workspace, so feel free to customize it in a way that reflects your individual style and enhances your productivity. From removing unnecessary elements to adding widgets and gadgets, Windows 10 allows you to transform your desktop into a personalized hub of efficiency.


How To Remove Search Bar In Windows 10

Removing the Search Bar in Windows 10

If you find the search bar in Windows 10 to be unnecessary or intrusive, you can remove it using a few simple steps.

Here are two methods for removing the search bar:

Method 1: Using the Taskbar Settings

  • Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
  • Select "Search" from the context menu.
  • Choose "Hidden" to remove the search bar.
  • Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Method 2: Using the Registry Editor

  • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Navigate to the following key:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search
  • Double-click on the "SearchboxTaskbarMode" value.
  • Change the value data to "0" and click OK.
  • Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Key Takeaways - How to Remove Search Bar in Windows 10

  • The search bar in Windows 10 can be removed to create a cleaner desktop interface.
  • To remove the search bar, right-click on the taskbar and select "Search" from the menu.
  • Click on "Show search icon" to hide the search bar but still have access to search functionality.
  • If you want to completely remove the search bar, select "Hidden" from the menu.
  • You can customize the taskbar by right-clicking on an empty space and selecting "Taskbar settings."

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to removing the search bar in Windows 10:

1. Can I remove the search bar in Windows 10?

Yes, you can remove the search bar in Windows 10. Although it is a built-in feature and cannot be uninstalled like traditional applications, there are several methods to hide or disable it.

One way to remove the search bar is by right-clicking on the taskbar, navigating to the "Search" option, and selecting "Hidden". This will hide the search bar from your taskbar.

2. Can I disable the search bar temporarily?

Yes, you can disable the search bar temporarily in Windows 10. This can be useful if you want to free up space on your taskbar or minimize distractions.

To disable the search bar temporarily, you can right-click on the taskbar, go to "Cortana" or "Search", and select the "Hidden" or "Show Cortana icon" option. This will hide the search bar but keep the Cortana icon visible.

3. Can I remove the search bar without disabling Cortana?

Yes, you can remove the search bar without disabling Cortana in Windows 10. Cortana is the virtual assistant in Windows 10, and some users may prefer to keep it enabled while removing the search bar.

To remove the search bar without disabling Cortana, you can use a third-party tool or modify the Windows registry. It is recommended to backup your registry before making any changes.

4. Is it possible to customize the search bar in Windows 10?

Yes, it is possible to customize the search bar in Windows 10. You can personalize its appearance, change the search provider, and even add additional search locations.

To customize the search bar, you can right-click on the taskbar, go to "Search", and select "Show search box" or "Show search icon". This will give you different options for how the search bar appears on your taskbar.

5. Can I remove the search bar permanently?

Yes, you can remove the search bar permanently by using third-party software. There are several applications available that allow you to customize your taskbar and remove specific elements like the search bar.

Before using any third-party software, make sure to research and download from trusted sources to avoid any potential security risks.



In summary, removing the search bar in Windows 10 is a simple process that can help streamline your desktop. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can regain valuable space and personalize your Windows 10 experience. Remember to create a system restore point before making any changes, just in case.

From disabling the search bar through the Taskbar settings to using third-party tools like Classic Shell, you have several options to choose from based on your preferences. Experiment with different methods and find the one that works best for you. Enjoy an organized and clutter-free desktop with the search bar removed from Windows 10!


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