If you’re tired of seeing the search bar in Windows 10 and want to remove it, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the steps to get rid of the search bar quickly and easily. Follow these simple instructions, and you’ll have a cleaner desktop in no time.
How to Remove Search Bar in Windows 10
In this section, I’ll show you how to remove that pesky search bar from your taskbar. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be search bar-free before you know it.
Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar
First, step up to your taskbar and give it a right-click.
When you right-click on the taskbar, a context menu will appear. This menu has several options related to the taskbar settings.
Step 2: Hover Over “Search”
Next, move your mouse cursor to the “Search” option in the menu.
Hovering over “Search” will bring up a sub-menu. This sub-menu contains different search bar display options that you can choose from.
Step 3: Select “Hidden”
Click on “Hidden” from the sub-menu.
Choosing “Hidden” will immediately remove the search bar from your taskbar, cleaning up your desktop space.
Step 4: Verify the Change
Take a quick look at your taskbar to ensure the search bar is gone.
After you select “Hidden,” your taskbar should no longer display the search bar. If it is still there, repeat the steps to make sure they were followed correctly.
After completing these steps, your taskbar will be free of the search bar, giving you a more streamlined look.
Tips for Removing Search Bar in Windows 10
- Shortcut Access: You can still access the search function by pressing the Windows key or by clicking on the Start menu.
- Taskbar Settings: If you want the search bar back, simply repeat the steps but select “Show search box” instead of “Hidden.”
- Use Cortana: If you have Cortana enabled, you can still use voice commands without the search bar.
- Customize More: Take some time to explore other taskbar settings to further personalize your desktop.
- Restart If Necessary: If changes don’t take effect immediately, try restarting your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still search without the search bar?
Yes, you can press the Windows key and start typing to search for apps, settings, and files.
Will removing the search bar affect performance?
No, removing the search bar will not affect the performance of your computer.
Can I add the search bar back?
Absolutely! Just follow the same steps and select “Show search box” instead of “Hidden.”
Does this remove Cortana?
No, removing the search bar does not disable Cortana. You can still use Cortana if it’s enabled.
What if the “Search” option is missing?
If the “Search” option is missing, make sure your Windows 10 is updated to the latest version.
Summary
- Right-click on the taskbar.
- Hover over “Search.”
- Select “Hidden.”
- Verify the change.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you’ve successfully removed the search bar in Windows 10. This change can make your taskbar look cleaner and give you more space for other icons. Remember, you can always bring the search bar back if you miss it. This little tweak is just one of many ways you can customize your Windows experience to better suit your needs. If you’re interested in more tips and tricks, be sure to check out other guides on optimizing your Windows setup. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.