The Wasted Space
In Windows 11, Microsoft places a massive Search box directly in the middle of the taskbar by default. While this makes it blatantly obvious where to click if you want to search the web or find a file, it consumes a huge amount of valuable screen real estate. If you are a power user who frequently has ten or more applications open simultaneously, that giant search bar prevents you from pinning your necessary apps. Furthermore, the search box is completely redundant; you can simply press the Windows key and immediately start typing to search anyway. You must remove the box to reclaim your taskbar.
How to Hide the Taskbar Search Box
You can collapse the massive box into a tiny icon (or remove it entirely) via the Taskbar settings.
- Click the Start Menu and type Settings, or press the Windows Key + I.
- In the left-hand sidebar, click on Personalization.
- In the main window, scroll down and click on Taskbar.
- Look for the section labeled “Taskbar items.”
- Next to Search, click the dropdown menu.
- To completely remove it, select Hide. (Alternatively, select Search icon only to replace the giant box with a small magnifying glass).
A Minimalist Taskbar
The change takes effect instantly. The massive text box will immediately vanish from your taskbar, shifting all of your pinned applications to the left and freeing up a massive amount of space. You have not disabled the search function itself; you can still press the Windows Key on your keyboard and begin typing at any time to instantly search your computer and the web.