How to Remove Cortana's Search Box

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated May 8, 2017)

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I don't know about you, but I am not into talking to my computer—especially when there are others around. Call me old fashioned, but I prefer typing. That being said, having Cortana's big search box taking up precious real estate on my taskbar is just too much. Now I'm not so much of a Luddite that I may never use Cortana, but it's pretty unlikely. Given that, I've opted to reduce its footprint.

You can reduce how much space Cortana takes up on your taskbar by right-clicking an empty space on the taskbar and hovering your mouse over the "Cortana" option. You'll see three options: Hidden, Show Cortana Icon, and Show Search Box.

The Hidden option makes Cortana disappear entirely. The Show Cortana Icon option reduces its footprint to a small circle, and the Show Search Box option gives you the long box in the taskbar. I've taken the middle ground and set Cortana to just use the icon, just in case I get the urge to talk to my computer some day. Feel free to configure Cortana's appearance to suit your own needs.

 This tip (647) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

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What is seven less than 8?

2017-05-08 08:30:23

Barry

Not that I know of. Sorry.

2017-05-08 07:05:12

Joe Caldereone

My Win 10 Home does not show the "show Search Box " option. Is there a way to hide Cortana but still get the search box ??

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