Hide Cortana Search Box

Customizing the Windows 10 Taskbar Search Functionality

The integration of the Cortana personal assistant directly into the Windows 10 taskbar was a prominent feature in recent updates. However, users may find the default implementation occupies excessive taskbar space.

Fortunately, Microsoft offers several options for modifying the taskbar search experience. These include removing the search box altogether, minimizing it to an icon, or configuring it to appear only when the Start Menu is opened.

Options for Taskbar Search Display

Users can choose to completely eliminate the search box from the taskbar. Alternatively, the search box can be reduced to a simple icon, conserving valuable screen real estate.

A third approach involves concealing the search box until it is actively needed. In this configuration, the search functionality becomes accessible only upon opening the Start Menu.

Reverting to Previous Search Behavior

If the integrated digital assistant doesn't align with user preferences, it can be disabled. This action restores the search box to its behavior in Windows 8.x.

With the previous behavior enabled, searches encompass both installed applications and web content, providing a broader range of results.

While the inclusion of a digital assistant within Windows is a notable change, experimentation is encouraged. Testing the feature allows users to determine its suitability for their workflow.

Adjusting the Taskbar: Removing the Cortana Search Box

It’s important to understand that concealing the search box does not equate to disabling Cortana itself. Further instructions for complete Cortana deactivation are provided below. This process focuses solely on removing the box from the Taskbar’s display.

To begin, locate an unoccupied area on the taskbar and perform a right-click. From the context menu that appears, select "Search". Then, modify the "Show search box" setting to either "Show Cortana icon" or "Hidden".

how-to-hide-the-cortana-search-box-on-the-windows-10-taskbar-1.jpg

Selecting the icon option will replace the search box with a circular icon, as illustrated below.

how-to-hide-the-cortana-search-box-on-the-windows-10-taskbar-2.jpg

Choosing to disable the box completely will remove it entirely from the taskbar. While making these adjustments, you can also opt to hide the Task View button by simply unchecking the corresponding box in the right-click menu. However, the updated task switcher is considered quite user-friendly.

how-to-hide-the-cortana-search-box-on-the-windows-10-taskbar-3.jpg

Deactivating Cortana

Should Cortana not have been previously activated, the search box will display a specific configuration upon clicking the Settings icon after accessing the Search field. It will be indicated that Cortana is currently disabled.

Furthermore, the inclusion of online searches and Bing results within the Start Menu can be prevented by toggling the corresponding switch to the off position.

how-to-hide-the-cortana-search-box-on-the-windows-10-taskbar-4.jpg

If Cortana has already been enabled, the settings interface will differ significantly. Access to the aforementioned settings is then located beneath the Notebook icon.

From this location, selecting 'Settings' will lead you to the configuration screen previously described.