Hide the quick search option and disable the search bar completely.
Hide the quick search option and disable the search bar completely.
This might look unusual at first, but let me clarify: I recently unlocked Windows 10, and it mentioned several features would be removed or turned off, including the search bar among many apps. However, it didn’t disappear or become inactive. When I use the shortcut, it still works perfectly, and I can’t locate a proper method to remove it entirely. I’m trying to eliminate its shortcut without affecting other options, like the layout that sometimes breaks or doesn’t function at all. But I’m not sure how to disable just that particular shortcut—some fixes only block shortcuts with an “S” but also disable Win + Shift + S for taking screenshots, which isn’t what I need. Do you know a way to remove just that search bar shortcut?
The only method I understand is to capture the key combo using another program. If this approach suits you, the free script AutoHotkey can help. Below is the code I employed:
#NoEnv ; Suggested for speed and future compatibility with AutoHotkey updates.
; #Warn ; Activate warnings to help spot typical issues.
SendMode Input ; Ideal for new scripts because of its fast performance.
SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir% ; Maintains a consistent starting folder.
The example provided focuses on intercepting the left Win button + S key. For the right one, replace "<" with ">". You can add several interceptors in a single file, along with text changes, key sends, window adjustments, and other useful actions found in the AutoHotkey documentation. If you prefer, you can compile it into a standalone executable.