How To Hide Search Field From The Taskbar In Windows 11
Taskbar in Windows 11 is one of the most prominent features of the new operating system. It provides quick access to frequently used apps, notifications, and other system settings.
However, some users may prefer a minimalist look and want to hide certain elements from the taskbar, such as the search field. Fortunately, Windows 11 offers an easy way to customize the taskbar to fit your preferences.
In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to hide the search field from the taskbar in Windows 11. Whether you find the search bar distracting or simply want to make more room for your favorite apps, this guide will show you how to remove the search field from the taskbar easily.
What Is The Search Field In Windows 11 Taskbar?
The search field in Windows 11 Taskbar is a feature that allows users to search for files, applications, and settings on their computers. This search field is located next to the Start menu button on the taskbar and can be accessed by clicking on it or pressing the Windows key + S shortcut. The search field also provides suggestions based on the user’s search query, making finding what they are looking for easier.
Why Would Someone Want To Hide The Search Field From The Taskbar?
Although the search field is handy, some users may want to hide it for various reasons. One reason could be that the search field occupies the taskbar, making it look cluttered. Some users may also prefer to use alternative search methods such as the Windows key + R shortcut or the search function in File Explorer. Additionally, hiding the search field may provide a cleaner look on the desktop, which some users may prefer.
Now, let’s take a look at how to hide the search field from the Taskbar in Windows 11.
Method 1: Using The Taskbar Settings
Windows 11 provides users with the ability to customize their taskbar settings. Users can access these settings by right-clicking on an empty space on the taskbar and selecting “Taskbar settings” from the context menu. Here’s how to hide the search field using the taskbar settings:
Step 1: Right-Click On The Taskbar In Windows 11
The first step is to right-click on the taskbar. You can do this by hovering your mouse over the taskbar and clicking the right mouse button. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + X to open the Power User Menu and select Taskbar settings from the list.
Step 2: Go To Taskbar Settings
Once the Taskbar settings menu is open, scroll down until you see the Search bar option. You’ll see that the option is set to “Show search box” by default. To hide the search field from the taskbar, click the drop-down menu and select “Hidden.”
Step 3: Verify The Changes
After selecting “Hidden,” the search field will no longer be visible on your taskbar. To ensure the changes have taken effect, close the Taskbar settings menu by clicking on the X in the window’s upper-right corner.
Step 4: Use The Start Menu Search Instead
Now that the search field has been hidden from the taskbar, you can still use the Start menu search to find what you’re looking for. To do this, simply click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard. From there, type in your search query and press enter. The search results will be displayed in the Start menu rather than on the taskbar.
Step 5: Use Windows Key + S Shortcut
Alternatively, you can use the Windows key + S keyboard shortcut to open the Windows search feature. This shortcut will open the search box in the center of your screen rather than on the taskbar. From there, you can type in your search query and press enter to see the results.
Method 2: Using The Registry Editor To Hide The Search Field From The Taskbar In Windows 11
For users who prefer to use the registry editor to customize their Windows 11 settings, hiding the search field can also be done through this method. Here’s how:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R shortcut to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type “regedit” in the text field and press Enter to open the registry editor.
Step 3: Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search
Step 4: Double-click on the “SearchboxTaskbarMode” value on the right-hand side.
Step 5: Change the value data to “0” and click OK.
Step 6: Close the registry editor.
Step 7: The search field will now be hidden from the taskbar.
Method 3: Using The Group Policy Editor To Hide The Search Field From The Taskbar In Windows 11
If you are using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can use the Group Policy Editor to hide the search field from the Taskbar. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type “gpedit.msc” (without quotes) in the Run dialog box and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
Step 3: In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following path:
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
Step 4: In the right-hand pane, double-click on the “Search box on Taskbar” policy.
Step 5: Select the “Disabled” option and click “OK” to save the changes.
Step 6: Close the Group Policy Editor; the search field will no longer be visible on the Taskbar.
Anytxt Searcher — An Alternative To Built-In Search Function
If you frequently use the search function on your Windows 11 computer and want to improve the overall search experience, you may want to consider using a third-party search tool such as Anytxt Searcher.
Anytxt Searcher is a powerful search tool that can quickly locate files, documents, and folders on your computer based on keywords or phrases. It supports various file types, including PDF, Word, Excel, and TXT, and can search through multiple folders and drives simultaneously.
With Anytxt Searcher, you can also filter search results by file type, date, and size and preview files directly within the application. In short, using Anytxt Searcher in Windows 11 can significantly enhance your search capabilities and productivity.
