Quick Launch Toolbar Windows 11 May 2026

Follow for more Windows 11 fixes and hidden features.

Windows 11 removed the classic Quick Launch toolbar—the small, text-free icon strip next to the Start button that many of us have relied on since Windows 98. Pinning apps to the Taskbar works, but it’s not the same if you want a separate, compact launcher without preview thumbnails or grouping. quick launch toolbar windows 11

The good news? You can restore the exact same Quick Launch functionality in under two minutes. No third-party software required. Follow for more Windows 11 fixes and hidden features

How to Bring Back the Classic Quick Launch Toolbar in Windows 11 The good news

Right-click an empty space on your taskbar and select Taskbar settings . Toggle off Lock the taskbar (if enabled).

Press Win + R , type %appdata%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch , and press Enter. If the folder doesn’t exist, manually create a new folder named Quick Launch in %appdata%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\ .