How to Replace Search Box with Search Icon on Taskbar in Windows

Open the taskbar context menu., Hover over or tap the Cortana or Search option from the top of the context menu., Switch to the icon.

3 Steps 1 min read Easy

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Open the taskbar context menu.

    Right-click (or hold down and release for touchscreens) on an empty spot or search bar in the taskbar.

    Don't right-click on an app or notification area icon. , You will see the latter in the list if you're in a region that Cortana doesn't support., Select Show Cortana icon or Show Search icon.

    You can also use the Hidden option to completely remove the Cortana/search icon from the taskbar.

    To perform a search after doing this, you can launch the Start menu and begin typing.

    Another option is pressing ⊞ Win+S for search and ⊞ Win+C for Cortana.
  2. Step 2: Hover over or tap the Cortana or Search option from the top of the context menu.

  3. Step 3: Switch to the icon.

Detailed Guide

Right-click (or hold down and release for touchscreens) on an empty spot or search bar in the taskbar.

Don't right-click on an app or notification area icon. , You will see the latter in the list if you're in a region that Cortana doesn't support., Select Show Cortana icon or Show Search icon.

You can also use the Hidden option to completely remove the Cortana/search icon from the taskbar.

To perform a search after doing this, you can launch the Start menu and begin typing.

Another option is pressing ⊞ Win+S for search and ⊞ Win+C for Cortana.

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