How to Add the Quick Launch Toolbar in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting the Quick Launch Bar Back on Windows 11

Looking to boost your productivity on Windows 11? Restoring the Quick Launch toolbar is a handy way to do just that. It’s one of those features many users miss from earlier Windows versions, providing quick access to your favourite apps and files without digging through menus. Pretty good, right? Setting it up is straightforward — just a few clicks away.

How to Add the Quick Launch Toolbar

Start by right-clicking anywhere on the taskbar where there’s no app or icon taking up space. This opens a menu with various options for customizing the taskbar. Yep, that’s the spot to begin.

Toolbars – Your Shortcut to Quick Access

Hover over the Toolbars option. A sub-menu will appear — select New toolbar…. This is where the fun begins, creating a new spot for your shortcuts. If you’re like most users, less clicking means more getting things done.

Point It to the Right Folder

A dialog box will pop up asking for a folder path. Just paste this in: %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch and then click Select Folder. This step tells Windows where to find and display your shortcuts. It might seem a bit odd, but it works flawlessly.

Position It Where You Want

Once added, you can drag the Quick Launch toolbar to any spot on your taskbar to suit your setup. Left, right, or centre — the choice is yours. For a cleaner look, right-click on the toolbar and uncheck Show Text and Show Title. Adjust the size by dragging the edge to keep things tidy and clutter-free.

Add Your Favourite Apps

The best part — start dragging your most-used apps onto the toolbar. Whether it’s Google Chrome, your email client, or other tools, having shortcuts at your fingertips speeds things up. Right-click an app icon and choose Create shortcut or Pin to Quick Access. Over time, it becomes your go-to hub for productivity.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Quick Launch Setup

When choosing what to include, think smart. Group similar apps together to find what you need faster. If things start looking cluttered, just type the app’s name into the Start menu for quick access. If icons get too crowded, try making the taskbar smaller — right-click > Taskbar settings > Taskbar behaviours > Use small taskbar buttons. Small tweaks like these can make a noticeable difference. If you decide the Quick Launch isn’t for you anymore, simply right-click the toolbar and uncheck Toolbars > Quick Launch. Easy as that.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Quick Launch Toolbar

What does the Quick Launch bar actually do?

It’s your shortcut buddy. Quick access to your favourite apps and files, all lined up right on the taskbar — helping you get things done faster, especially on busy days.

Can I add entire folders to this toolbar?

Absolutely! It’s great for project work or organising multiple files. Just repeat the process: right-click the taskbar, go to Toolbars > New toolbar…, and select your folder. Plenty of options to tailor it to your workflow.

How do I remove icons I no longer want?

Simple — right-click the icon and select Delete. Want to rename something? Same deal: right-click and choose Rename. Keeping your workspace tidy makes life easier.

Will adding this slow down my system?

No worries — this is just a collection of shortcuts, so it won’t impact your system’s performance. You shouldn’t notice any lag just for having a toolbar.

Wrapping It Up

Restoring the Quick Launch toolbar in Windows 11 is a simple tweak that can make a big difference in how you work. Instant access to your apps helps keep things organised and saves time. It’s also a nostalgic nod to the way Windows used to work, which many users appreciate. Playing around with these customisations can help create a setup that suits your style. If it helps even one person be more efficient, it’s a win.

Just keep an eye on what you add, and tweak it as needed. The goal is to streamline your workflow, not clutter it up!