By default, Windows 11 features a large, prominent Search Box right in the middle of the taskbar. While Microsoft intends for this to be a quick way to search for apps, files, or web results, many users find it unnecessarily large. Because you can initiate a system search simply by opening the Start menu and typing immediately, the persistent taskbar box wastes valuable space that could be used for pinned applications.
Whether you want to shrink it down to a small magnifying glass icon or remove it entirely for a minimalist desktop aesthetic, Windows 11 allows you to fully customize its appearance.
How to Hide or Modify the Search Box
The controls for the Search Box are located within the Personalisation settings.
- Right-click on any empty space on your Windows 11 taskbar.
- Select Taskbar settings from the small pop-up menu. (Alternatively, you can navigate to Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar).
- At the very top of the settings page, look for the section labelled Taskbar items.
- Locate the Search row.
- Click the dropdown menu next to “Search”. You will be presented with four options:
- Search box: The default, large rectangular text entry box.
- Search icon and label: A smaller button containing a magnifying glass and the word “Search”.
- Search icon only: A minimalist magnifying glass icon (similar to macOS Spotlight).
- Hide: Completely removes the search feature from the taskbar.
- Select either Search icon only to save space, or Hide to remove it entirely.
The taskbar will update immediately, sliding your pinned icons closer to the Start button and reclaiming the lost space.
How to Search if the Box is Hidden
If you choose to hide the Search Box completely, you do not lose the ability to search your computer. The underlying search functionality remains fully active; you simply access it differently.
- The Keyboard Shortcut: Press Windows Key + S at any time. The search panel will slide up instantly, ready for you to type.
- The Start Menu Method: Click the Start button (or press the Windows key) and simply begin typing. You do not need to click inside a text box first. If you press the Windows Key and type “Calculator”, the search menu will automatically appear and find the app.