Windows 10 Tip: Remove the Cortana Search Box from Taskbar

One of the new features in Windows Technical Preview build 9926 is a new search box where Cortana lives, and it takes up a good chunk of space on the taskbar. If you would rather have more room on the taskbar for icons, you can get rid of it.

If you’re moving from Windows 7 to Windows 10, you will like this trick because it makes user interface look and work like you’re used to. And the cool part is, you don’t lose access to the search and Cortana feature. Here’s a look.

Hide Cortana Search Box from Taskbar

To remove it, right-click an empty area on the taskbar and go to Search on the menu, and there you have the option to disable it or just show the search icon.

First, here’s a look at showing only the search icon – which looks similar to Cortana when you activate it. Just click it to bring up Cortana search.

In the following example I completely disabled it…all gone. This gives you a nice and clean look to the taskbar and easy access to the Start button. I should also mention that I removed the Task View icon too.

So now you might be wondering how to search? Simple, hit the Windows Key or click Start to bring up the menu, the search box is right there just like in Windows 7. Of course now the difference is you can either talk to Cortana or type in your query.

I am hesitant to write ‘how to’ articles about a beta version of an OS as things can change in the final release. However, this seems like a feature that will make it to the final version, and if something changes we’ll let you know.

Do you want to see this ability available in the final version? Leave a comment below and tell us your thoughts.