Why Disable the Taskbar Search Box?
By default, Windows 10 includes a massive, elongated “Type here to search” box sitting right next to the Start button on the taskbar. While it offers a convenient way to search the web and your local files simultaneously, it consumes a tremendous amount of valuable horizontal screen space.
If you prefer a clean, minimalist desktop, or if you simply have too many applications pinned to your taskbar and are running out of room, you can collapse this bulky box into a tiny magnifying glass icon, or hide the feature completely.
How to Hide or Shrink the Search Box in Windows 10
You can adjust the appearance of the search feature directly from the taskbar context menu.
- Locate an empty, blank space on your Windows 10 taskbar (the bar at the very bottom of your screen).
- Right-click on that empty space.
- In the menu that pops up, hover your mouse over the Search option near the top.
- A sub-menu will appear with three distinct choices:
- Hidden: Completely removes the search box and icon from the taskbar.
- Show search icon: Replaces the giant text box with a simple, space-saving magnifying glass icon.
- Show search box: The default, large text entry box.
- Click on either Hidden or Show search icon depending on your preference.
How to Search if the Box is Hidden
Even if you choose to hide the search box completely, you do not lose the ability to search. Simply press the Windows Key on your keyboard (or click the Start button) and immediately begin typing. The Start menu will automatically transition into a search interface, allowing you to find files and apps just as quickly without sacrificing permanent taskbar space.