Windows 11 has been recently released by Microsoft. With its new design and features, it enhances user experience. One of the new features is the Quick Launch bar. Quick Launch is a customizable toolbar for easy access to your frequently used applications, folders, and files. With Quick Launch, you can easily launch your favorite applications or files without having to navigate through multiple menus or desktop icons.
This blog post is going to explore the steps to add Quick Launch to Windows 11. It will explain what is Quick Launch, why you need it, and the different ways of adding it. In addition, it will provide some fixes if you can’t add Quick Launch and some bonus tips for customizing your Quick Launch toolbar.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Add Quick Launch in Windows 11
Quick Launch is a time-saving feature that improves your productivity. Without Quick Launch, you have to spend time navigating through multiple folders and menus to find your most frequently used applications or files. By adding Quick Launch, you can save time and increase efficiency. Quick Launch serves as a hub for all your necessary tools, allowing you to access them with just a single click.
Method 1: Adding Quick Launch via the Taskbar
Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings."
Step 2: Scroll down to the "Taskbar behaviors" section and click on "Taskbar buttons."
Step 3: In the drop-down menu, select "Combine Taskbar buttons" and choose the "Never" option.
Step 4: Scroll down further and select "Open Taskbar settings" in the "Quick links" section.
Step 5: Toggle on the switch for "Show Quick Launch" and it will appear on your taskbar.
Pros: It is a quick and easy method that requires no downloads or installations.
Cons: Quick Launch may be hidden if too many applications are open.
Method 2: Adding Quick Launch via the Windows Explorer
Step 1: Click on the Windows icon on the bottom-left corner of your desktop.
Step 2: Search for "Windows Explorer" and select it from the search results.
Step 3: In the Windows Explorer menu, click on "View" and then click on "Options."
Step 4: In the "Folder Options" window, click on the "View" tab.
Step 5: Scroll down and look for "Hidden files and folders" and click on "Show hidden files, folders, and drives."
Step 6: Click on "Apply" and then click on "OK" to apply the changes.
Step 7: Navigate to C:/Users/[Username]/AppData/Roaming
Step 8: Right-click on the empty space and select "New" and then "Folder."
Step 9: Name the new folder "Quick Launch."
Step 10: Right-click on the taskbar and hover over "Toolbars."
Step 11: Select "New toolbar" and find the "Quick Launch" folder you just created.
Pros: It creates a fixed space for Quick Launch and is easily accessible on the taskbar.
Cons: It requires you to show hidden files and folders and you need to create the Quick Launch folder manually.
Method 3: Adding Quick Launch via Registry Editor
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R combination to open the Run dialogue box.
Step 2: Type "regedit" and click on "OK."
Step 3: Navigate to "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Toolbar."
Step 4: Right-click on the "Toolbar" key and select "New" and then "String Value."
Step 5: Name the new string value "Quick LaunchToolBar."
Step 6: Double-click on "Quick LaunchToolBar" and change its value data to "C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch."
Step 7: Right-click on the taskbar and go to "Taskbar Settings."
Step 8: Toggle on the switch for "Show Quick Launch" and it will appear on your taskbar.
Pros: It provides a permanent solution and works without needing to create a folder.
Cons: It requires editing the registry, which might cause issues if done incorrectly.
What to Do If You Can’t Add Quick Launch in Windows 11
If you cannot add Quick Launch in Windows 11, try the following fixes:
1. Restart your computer and try to add it again.
2. Check if you have any third-party applications or themes that may be preventing Quick Launch.
3. Check if all your drivers and Windows updates are up to date.
4. Try using a different user account or creating a new one to add Quick Launch.
Bonus Tip: Customizing your Quick Launch
You can customize your Quick Launch toolbar by adding or removing applications or files. To do this, right-click on the Quick Launch toolbar and select "Open folder." You can then drag and drop files, shortcuts, or applications into the folder.
5 FAQs
Q1: What is the Quick Launch toolbar?
A: Quick Launch is a customizable toolbar in Windows that provides one-click access to frequently used applications, folders, and files.
Q2: Can I add or remove applications to the Quick Launch toolbar?
A: Yes. Right-click on the Quick Launch toolbar and select "Open folder." You can then drag and drop files, shortcuts, or applications into the folder.
Q3: Can I resize the Quick Launch toolbar?
A: Yes. Hover your mouse cursor over the taskbar’s edge where Quick Launch is. If you see a double-headed arrow, click and drag it to resize the Quick Launch toolbar.
Q4: Why can’t I add Quick Launch?
A: You may not be able to add Quick Launch in Windows 11 due to third-party applications, outdated Windows versions, or corrupted system files.
Q5: Is it safe to edit the registry to add Quick Launch?
A: Editing the registry can cause issues if done incorrectly. It is recommended to create a backup before making any changes to the registry.
Final Thoughts
Adding Quick Launch to Windows 11 is a simple and effective way to improve your productivity. With Quick Launch, you can access your frequently used applications, files, and folders with just a single click. By following the steps in this blog post, you can easily add Quick Launch to your Windows 11 taskbar.
