There are two ways to go about this: one turns Cortana’s search bar into an app-sized icon, and the other removes it completely. I’ll show you how to do both.

  1. Right-click anywhere on the taskbar.
  2. Select Cortana > Show Cortana icon. Once done, it shrinks the “Ask me anything” bar down to the size of a normal icon, like this:
  3. To remove the bar completely, right click the taskbar again.
  4. Select Cortana > Hidden.
  5. To set Cortana’s search bar back to the default, right click the taskbar once more.
  6. Select Cortana > Show search box.

Cortana Tips and How-Tos

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Turn On ‘Hey Cortana’Send an Email With CortanaSet a Reminder with CortanaSearch for Files With CortanaTurn On and Use Cortana in Microsoft EdgeChange Cortana’s Voice and LanguageTurn Cortana Off in Windows 10Change the Name Cortana Calls YouShut Down Windows With a Voice CommandFind Your Phone with CortanaList Apps That Work With CortanaShow Weather for Multiple CitiesClear Personal Info From CortanaAdd Remove Cortana from Your Lock ScreenSend SMS Messages with CortanaTweak Cortana Privacy SettingsCreate Reminders with Sticky NotesGet News NotificationsSet Cortana to Use Google for SearchCreate Reading ListsAll Windows 10 Tips