How to Disable Windows Taskbar Search with Regedit

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to completely remove the Windows taskbar search box using the Registry Editor (Regedit). By modifying a specific registry key, you can free up valuable taskbar space without needing third-party software, and apply the changes immediately by restarting Windows Explorer.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type regedit into the field and press Enter (or click OK).
  3. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to grant administrative privileges.

Step 2: Navigate to the Search Key

In the Registry Editor address bar at the top, copy and paste the following path, then press Enter:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search

Alternatively, use the left navigation pane to expand the folders to that location.

Step 3: Modify the SearchboxTaskbarMode Value

  1. In the right pane of the Search folder, look for a DWORD value named SearchboxTaskbarMode.
  2. If the value does not exist:
    • Right-click an empty area in the right pane.
    • Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
    • Name it SearchboxTaskbarMode.
  3. Double-click SearchboxTaskbarMode to open its edit window.
  4. Set the Value data field to 0.
    • 0 = Completely hidden/disabled
    • 1 = Search icon only
    • 2 = Full search box
  5. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 4: Apply the Changes

To make the search box disappear immediately without restarting your computer:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. In the Processes tab, locate Windows Explorer.
  3. Right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.

The taskbar will refresh instantly, and the search box will be completely removed. To restore the search box in the future, return to the same registry key and change the value back to 2.