Windows Search not being removed (W10)

[Bournesup]

Windows search is not being removed as it still shows up on my task bar. Its been like this for awhile. I always have to go into taskbar settings and put search as hidden.

Also, should I disconnect the internet during a host refresh. Would this impact the search showing up on my taskbar.

 

[Mr. Yu]

Starting from Win10 1903, Cortana and Windows Search are no longer merged, and deleting Cortana will not delete the Windows Search box. Only the search box can be hidden.
I saw that you deleted the search index, it will only disable the search in Win7 and the indexing service in Win10. It will not affect the search box of Win10.
Whether to disconnect from the network will not affect the host refresh. Host refresh is like reinstalling windows, but without losing the personal information.
https://www.ntlite.com/v1-2-stable-released/

 

[garlin]

You don't have Settings / Desktop / Search (Taskbar) -> Disabled

Or using a reg file.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search]
"SearchboxTaskbarMode"=dword:00000000