How to change Search design in Taskbar on Windows 11

If Search is taking a lot space in the Taskbar or want to make it more prominent, you can change the design on Windows 11, and here's how.

Windows 11 change Search design
Windows 11 change Search design

On Windows 11, you can change the design style of the Search box available through the Taskbar, and in this guide, we’ll show you how.

In the Taskbar settings, Microsoft has been working to improve the design experience of the Search element available through the Taskbar. In the past, you were only able to hide the button, but now, you can choose from several options to make it more visible or smaller to fit more pins in the Taskbar.

This guide will teach you the steps to change the Search design in the Taskbar.

Change Search design style on Windows 11

To change the Taskbar Search design on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Click the Taskbar tab.

  4. Under the “Taskbar items” section, select one of the available styles from the “Search” setting, including icon only, icon and label, and box.

    Search change design or hide button in Taskbar

  5. (Optional) Select the Hide option to remove the Search option for the Taskbar.

Once you complete the steps, the Taskbar will reflect the style you specified.

If the option is still not available in the Settings app, but you want to remove this feature since you can start a search for the Start menu, you can turn off the “Search” toggle switch.

In the case you are in an organization, Microsoft provides a policy to customize Search through Group Policy.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.