Where are Windows taskbar shortcuts?.
The taskbar in Windows 10 and 11 is always visible, giving you quick access to anything you add to it. But how do you create shortcuts on the Windows taskbar?
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If you have important programs, folders, files, and websites that you want to access at any time, you must create a link to them in the taskbar. Programs and websites are easier to add, but files and folders are a little more difficult.
Check out the following tutorial to learn how to create shortcuts on the Windows 10 taskbar and Windows 11 taskbar.
Pin Shortcut to Taskbar via Start Menu
If you want to create a program shortcut on the taskbar on your computer, the quickest way is to pin it via the Start menu.
To do this, simply open the start menu and search for the application. On Windows 11, you may have to check the All Apps list if it’s not among the pinned Start items. Then right-click and select “More” > “Pin to taskbar” from the context menu.
The shortcut should immediately appear on the taskbar. Repeat these steps for any other programs you want to add.
Pin Running Programs to Taskbar
Another way to create a shortcut to a program is to pin it to the taskbar while it is running. Just right-click the toolbar icon and select Pin to taskbar and it will stay there even after you close the app.
Pin Desktop Shortcuts to Taskbar
If the program shortcut is already on the desktop, Windows allows you to add it to the taskbar in a couple of clicks. To do this, right-click the item and select Pin to taskbar.
Pin Programs to Taskbar via Applications Folder
Windows 10 and 11 have a dedicated Applications folder that lists all apps from the Microsoft Store and non-Microsoft Store on your computer. The folder also lists applications that you won’t normally find on the Start menu, such as the Control Panel and the Command Line Console.
1. Use the keyboard shortcut Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Type shell:AppsFolder and click OK.
3. Right-click the application you want to pin to the taskbar and select Pin to taskbar.
Pin Apps to Taskbar via File Explorer
It is also possible to create taskbar shortcuts through File Explorer for a traditional desktop program after finding its main executable (.exe) file. It’s usually faster to pin apps from the Start menu, but sometimes you’ll run into an app that isn’t there.
Track the installation folder of the program. Windows installs applications in the Program Files and Program Files (x86) directories by default, so check those directories first.
Locate the executable file that launches the program when you double-click it.Right-click the file and select Pin to taskbar. In Windows 11, you must first select Show advanced options.
You can also visit the hidden WindowsApps folder and create shortcuts for Microsoft Store apps in the same way. However, we recommend that you avoid this as it is difficult to distinguish between folders and files in a directory.
Pin Folders and Files to Taskbar
Unlike programs, Windows 10 and 11 don’t let you pin files and folders to the taskbar, unless you do a tiny “hack” on every item you want to add. You have several ways to do this.
Use the shortcut wizard.
Right-click an empty area and choose New > Shortcut.
Copy and paste the file or folder path, or add it using the Browse button.
Add the word “explorer” (without quotes) to the beginning of the file or folder path. Be sure to keep one spacing between them.
Assign a name and click Done.
Right-click the file or folder shortcut and select Pin to taskbar.
Create and edit label
Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the file or folder.Alt-drag the item to the desktop to create a shortcut.
Right-click the shortcut and select Properties.
Tip: You can also drag and drop files using the right mouse button. When you drop a file at the destination, Windows opens a pop-up menu asking if you want to move, copy, or create a shortcut.
Click the Shortcut tab.Add the word “explorer” (without quotes) before the file or folder path in the Target field. Be sure to keep one spacing between them.
Choose Apply > OK to save your changes.Right-click the shortcut and select Pin to Taskbar.
Note. Pinned folders on the taskbar will display a generic File Explorer icon. To change this, open the Shortcut Properties dialog box and use the Change Icon button on the Shortcuts tab. Learn more about customizing icons in Windows 10 and 11.
Pin Websites to Taskbar
If you’re using Microsoft Edge, you can use the built-in option to add websites to your taskbar. If you are using another browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, you must rely on a workaround similar to adding files and folders.
Microsoft Edge
Load a website or app in Edge.Open the Edge menu (select the three dots in the right corner of the browser toolbar).
Select More tools > Pin to taskbar.
Other browsers
Open the shortcut wizard.Copy and paste the website URL from your web browser.
Add the word “explorer” (without quotes) to the beginning of the URL, leaving one space between them.
Assign a name and click Done.
Right-click the website shortcut and select Pin to taskbar.
Pin Websites as Apps to Taskbar
If you’re using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, you can “install” websites as Progressive Web Apps (or PWAs) and then add them to your taskbar without any changes. PWAs also contain website icons, making them easy to distinguish.
Google Chrome
Load the website in Chrome.Open the Chrome menu and choose More Tools > Create Shortcut.
Check the box next to Open as window and select New.
Right-click the item and select Pin to taskbar.
Microsoft Edge
Load a website in Edge.Open the Edge menu and select Applications > Install this site as an app.
Select Install to confirm.
Check the box next to Pin to taskbar and select Allow.
Instant Access to Apps, Files, and Websites
Now that you know how to add your favorite apps, files, and websites to the Windows taskbar, don’t forget to reorder them by dragging and dropping them. You can also unpin icons on the taskbar by right-clicking the icon and selecting Unpin from taskbar. Besides shortcuts, you can also customize the taskbar in Windows 10 and 11 and more.
Where are Windows taskbar shortcuts?
Where are Windows taskbar shortcuts?