SearchboxTaskbarMode 0: hiding the search box on the Windows taskbar
Short answer
UpdatedSearchboxTaskbarMode decides how search appears on the taskbar: 0 hides it, 1 shows an icon, 2 shows the box. This tweak sets it to 0. Pressing the Windows key and typing still searches. In the registry it sets SearchboxTaskbarMode to 0 under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search.
HKCUSoftware\
SearchboxTaskbarModeYour previous value0
What it does
SearchboxTaskbarMode decides how search appears on the taskbar: 0 hides it, 1 shows an icon, 2 shows the box. This tweak sets it to 0. Pressing the Windows key and typing still searches.
In the app the switch is called "Hide the Taskbar Search Box", described there as: Removes the search box from the taskbar. Pressing the Windows key and typing still searches.
When it helps, and when it hurts
When it helps
- More taskbar room, and no search highlights in the box.
When it hurts
- Nothing. Search works as before from the Start menu.
What it writes
Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.
| Key and value | With the tweak | Switching it off |
|---|---|---|
| HKCUSoftware\ | 0 | Your previous valueSaved before the change, or deleted if there was none. |
From the app's source (pack_extra.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked .
The same change by hand
You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search" /v "SearchboxTaskbarMode" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /freg query "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search" /v "SearchboxTaskbarMode"How to undo it
In the app: Yes
Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.
Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. The app saved what each value was before the change and writes exactly that back, or removes the value if it did not exist.
Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.
Verdict
Cosmetic.
Questions
- What does the "Hide the Taskbar Search Box" tweak change in Windows?
- In the registry it sets SearchboxTaskbarMode to 0 under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search.
- Is "Hide the Taskbar Search Box" safe to switch on?
- Cosmetic. The main cost: Nothing. Search works as before from the Start menu.
- How do I undo it?
- Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.
- Is "Hide the Taskbar Search Box" free in Frozen Tweaks?
- Yes. It is one of the free tweaks, with no time limit.
In the app
- Switch
- Hide the Taskbar Search Box
- Category
- Debloat
- Plan
- Free
- Undo
- Yes
Related guides
- Windows 11 Gaming Optimization: What Still Works in 2026An honest audit of Windows 11 gaming tweaks: which settings still measurably help in 2026, which are placebo, and which quietly cost you security.8 min read
- Low-End PC Gaming Optimization: Getting Playable Frame RatesWhat actually works on a weak PC, in order, including the one upgrade that beats every software tweak combined, and honest limits on what tuning can do.7 min read
More tweak explainers
- Edge sidebar, shopping and RewardsEdge adds a sidebar, a shopping assistant that looks for coupons and price comparisons, and Microsoft Rewards prompts. What it changes and how to undo it.2 min read
- Meet Now iconMeet Now is the Skype meeting icon Windows 10 placed in the notification area. What the tweak changes, when it helps, when it hurts and how to undo it.2 min read
- Suggested actionsWhen you copy a date or a phone number, Windows 11 shows a small popup offering to create an event or call the number. What it changes and how to undo it.2 min read
In the app
- Category
- Debloat
- Plan
- Free
- Undo
- Yes
Frozen Tweaks
Free for Windows 10 and 11
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.

The free Windows app for competitive games.
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Frozen Tweaks runs on Windows. Send the link to your PC and download it there.
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.
