How-to

Quick Launch in Windows 11

The Quick Launch bar next to the Start button kept programs one click away. Windows 10 could still show it as a toolbar. Windows 11 has no toolbars, so Quick Launch is gone too. Pinned apps replace it only in part: each one takes taskbar space, and folders are not possible.

Get Quick Launch back

1. Download and start

   Download SystemTrayMenu and open it, it sets itself up. It then sits as a button in the taskbar and as an icon in the notification area.

2. Choose the Quick Launch folder

   The old folder still exists: %AppData%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch. Right-click the icon → “Settings …” → General → Menu folder → “Change …”, paste the path into the address bar at the top, choose the folder. Your own folder of shortcuts works the same, subfolders included.

3. Start a program

   Click SystemTrayMenu in the taskbar or press Ctrl+Win, then the program. Faster: type the first letters, Enter opens the match.

To keep the button there: Settings → General → Startup → “Start at login”. Keep the folder in OneDrive and every computer has the same menu. Try it free for 14 days, then €2.99: pay once, no subscription.

Free downloadMore about SystemTrayMenu

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