How to Remove Cortana's Search Box

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

2

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." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Understanding File Types and Extensions

File types (or extensions) are key to using Windows effectively. When you double-click a file in Windows Explorer or File ...

Discover More

Ripping Songs from Audio CDs

Ripping songs from audio CDs is fairly simple, but the actual process varies from application to application.

Discover More

What is the Purpose of the Application Event Log?

The Application event log holds messages generated by applications and services. This tip explains more about it.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Displaying the Volume Icon in the Taskbar

Having access to the volume slider in the Taskbar is handy. Learn how to display or hide the volume icon in the Taskbar.

Discover More

Adding a Toolbar to the Taskbar

Normally the taskbar is used to display icons for currently running programs on your system. Here's how you can go beyond ...

Discover More

Adding the Day of the Week to the Taskbar Clock

Sometimes it is helpful to know the day of the week. How do you get the taskbar clock to show the day of the week?

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is three less than 4?

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 ??

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.