Disable Microsoft Edge Search Bar in Windows 11
The Microsoft Edge search bar is an interactive desktop widget that lets you search the web straight from your main Windows screen. Microsoft added this floating search box to Windows 11 starting with build 22H2, but it often takes up extra space and frustrates people who want a clean desktop.
Turning off this search bar requires a quick tweak in the Windows Registry Editor, which is the built-in system database that stores core Windows settings . You can safely hide the widget by changing a single Registry key value, removing the clutter in less than two minutes.
Open the Windows Registry Editor and navigate to the specified Edge key. Create a new DWORD value named SearchbarAllowed and set its data to 0 to disable the search bar. A reboot may be required for the changes to take effect.
Disable the Edge search bar
Altering a setting within the Windows Registry turns off the search bar. This guide details how to locate the correct registry key and add a new value to disable the feature, contributing to a cleaner appearance.
First, open the Windows Registry and navigate to the following folder key path.
A new Registry entry will be created for Microsoft Edge. Right-click an empty space in the right-hand pane, hover over New, and select DWORD (32-bit) Value (a specific type of data entry used by Windows to store settings). Name this new DWORD entry SearchbarAllowed to control the search bar’s behavior.
The SearchbarAllowed registry value governs the Microsoft Edge search bar . Double-click SearchbarAllowed and change its value to 0 to disable the Edge search bar in Windows 11, preventing the search bar from appearing on the taskbar .
Deleting the SearchbarAllowed value brings the search bar right back whenever needed.
SearchbarAllowed
WebWidgetAllowed
A system reboot might be necessary for the changes to take effect.
That completes the process.
Conclusion:
Any registry tweaks stay in effect until reversed. Here is a quick recap of the process:
- Access the Registry: Open the Windows Registry Editor and navigate to the appropriate key path.
- Create a DWORD: Right-click on the Edge folder and create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named
SearchbarAllowed. - Set the Value: Change the value of
SearchbarAllowedto0to disable the search bar. - Delete Values to Re-enable: If you wish to enable the search bar again, delete the
SearchbarAllowedandWebWidgetAllowedvalues. - Reboot Required: A system reboot may be necessary for the changes to take effect.
Managing the functionality of the Edge search bar suits personal preferences, allowing for its removal whenever it proves distracting.
How do I remove the brown box on the Microsoft Edge icon?
A brown box over your Windows Desktop icons can be caused by an issue with Windows Explorer. Restart Windows Explorer: Press Windows key + E. Press CTRL + ALT + DEL and select Task Manager.
How do I deactivate the Windows Search bar?
Type services.msc in the search bar at the top of the Start menu. Click 'Services' in the list of results. The Windows Services window will open, displaying a list of all services available to run on your computer.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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