Windows 11 Quick Launch [better] «Free Forever»
In Windows 11, the native Quick Launch toolbar that lived on the taskbar in previous versions has been officially removed
. While you can no longer simply right-click the taskbar to enable it, you can achieve similar functionality through pinning, customization, or third-party tools. Microsoft Learn 1. Modern Alternatives (Built-in) Pinning to Taskbar
: This is the intended replacement. Right-click any app in your Start menu or File Explorer and select Pin to taskbar Keyboard Shortcuts : Apps pinned to your taskbar can be launched using Win + [Number] . For example, launches the first app on the left of your taskbar. Quick Settings
: Accessible by clicking the Wi-Fi/Volume/Battery icons (bottom right). Click the Pencil icon
to add or remove system shortcuts like Bluetooth or Airplane mode. 2. Restore Classic Quick Launch (Third-Party Tools)
Since Windows 11's taskbar code was completely rewritten, "classic" toolbars require a taskbar modification tool: ExplorerPatcher : A popular GitHub project
that lets you switch the taskbar style back to Windows 10, which restores the ability to add toolbars. StartAllBack windows 11 quick launch
: A paid utility that restores a more traditional Windows 7/10 style taskbar, including full support for custom toolbars like Quick Launch. 3. Quick Access (File Explorer)
If you are looking for "Quick Access" (the list of frequent folders in File Explorer): File Explorer three dots (...) at the top → In the "General" tab, set Open File Explorer to: (or "Quick Access" in older builds). How do I get the Quick Launch bar back in Windows 11?
In Windows 11, the classic Quick Launch toolbar found in previous versions has been officially removed. Microsoft has shifted to a simplified taskbar where pinning applications is the primary method for quick access. Microsoft Community Hub Ways to Restore or Mimic Quick Launch
While the native option is gone, you can still achieve similar functionality through these methods:
The classic Quick Launch toolbar has been officially removed in Windows 11. However, you can still replicate its functionality or restore the original feature using a few specific methods. 1. Enable the Classic Quick Launch Bar
You can manually re-add the original folder as a "New Toolbar" to your taskbar. In Windows 11, the native Quick Launch toolbar
Locate the Folder: Open File Explorer and paste %AppData%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch into the address bar to verify your shortcuts are there. Create the Toolbar: Right-click an empty area of the taskbar.
The classic Quick Launch bar, a beloved feature from the Windows XP and Windows 7 eras, was officially removed from the native taskbar experience in Windows 11. Microsoft has replaced this functionality with pinned icons and a simplified, centered taskbar design.
However, if you miss the ability to group specific shortcuts in a dedicated toolbar without cluttering your running apps, you can still bring it back or replicate its behavior using several methods. 1. The Modern Alternative: Pinning to Taskbar
The official "replacement" for Quick Launch is pinning apps directly to the taskbar. This provides one-click access but mixes your shortcuts with currently running programs.
How to Pin: Find an app in the Start Menu or through Search, right-click it, and select Pin to taskbar.
Custom Shortcuts: To pin a specific folder (like the old Quick Launch folder), you must create a custom shortcut on your desktop, set the target to explorer.exe "C:\your\folder\path", and then right-click that shortcut to pin it. Part 4: Best Third-Party Tools to Restore Windows
2. Restoring the Classic Quick Launch (Requires Third-Party Tools)
Because Windows 11 removed the ability to add custom toolbars by right-clicking the taskbar, you must use a utility that restores the "Legacy" taskbar style. Quick launch and intelligent windows??? - Microsoft Q&A
Part 4: Best Third-Party Tools to Restore Windows 11 Quick Launch
If you want zero compromises and a perfect replica of the XP/Vista/7 era Quick Launch, use these free utilities.
Troubleshooting Common Quick Launch Issues in Windows 11
"New toolbar" option missing?
Microsoft removed it in some Win11 versions. You can restore it via ExplorerPatcher or StartAllBack (third-party tools).
Quick Launch icons disappear after reboot?
Make sure you’re using the correct folder:
%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
Not a custom folder you created.
Can't move Quick Launch to the left side?
Windows 11’s taskbar doesn’t support free dragging. Try setting taskbar alignment to "Left" in Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar behaviors.
I want the old Show Desktop button next to Quick Launch.
Press Win + D or click the very thin, invisible strip at the far-right end of the taskbar (it still works).
Q: Is there a keyboard shortcut for Quick Launch?
A: For pinned taskbar apps: Win + 1 opens the first app, Win + 2 opens the second, etc. This is faster than any mouse-based Quick Launch.