Windows 11 Quick Launch Access

Report prepared: April 2026
Tested on: Windows 11 23H2 (Build 22631) and 24H2 (Build 26100)

The classic Quick Launch toolbar was officially removed in Windows 11 as part of Microsoft's move toward a simplified, centered taskbar. While the native right-click "Toolbars" option is gone, you can still achieve a similar experience using a few different workarounds. Method 1: The Modern Alternative (Pinning)

The intended replacement for Quick Launch is the ability to pin apps directly to your taskbar or Start menu.

How to pin apps: Search for an app, right-click it, and select Pin to taskbar.

Left-align the taskbar: To make it feel more like older Windows versions, right-click the taskbar > Taskbar settings > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar alignment and change it to Left. Method 2: Use Third-Party Tools (For the Classic Bar) windows 11 quick launch

If you want the actual separate toolbar with small icons back, you will need to use a customization tool that restores "legacy" taskbar features.

ExplorerPatcher: This free tool can restore the Windows 10 style taskbar to Windows 11. Once installed, you can right-click the taskbar, select Toolbars > New toolbar, and paste the following path: %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch.

StartAllBack: A popular paid alternative that specializes in bringing back classic UI elements, including the Quick Launch toolbar. Method 3: Quick Access in File Explorer

If your goal is quickly opening frequently used folders, use the Quick Access (now called "Home") section in File Explorer. Report prepared: April 2026 Tested on: Windows 11

How to enable: Open File Explorer, click the three dots (...) > Options > General.

Under Open File Explorer to, select Home to see your pinned and frequent folders immediately. Method 4: Shortcut Run Command

To quickly launch apps that aren't on your taskbar, you can add them to the Windows Startup folder so they open as soon as you log in. Press Win + R, type shell:startup, and hit Enter.

Right-click in the folder, select New > Shortcut, and browse for the app you want to launch. Add the Quick Launch Toolbar to the Taskbar in Windows 11 If you miss the small icons and the

If you miss the small icons and the "click-to-launch" speed of the Windows 7 era, you can force the classic toolbar to appear. This allows you to have a distinct section separate from your pinned taskbar apps.

Note: This method involves creating a folder. Windows 11 does not allow you to pin the generic "Quick Launch" system folder anymore, but a custom folder works exactly the same way.

Despite no official option, you can manually recreate Quick Launch.

For the vast majority of users, this is the best answer to "Windows 11 Quick Launch."

Result: You now have a fully functional Windows 11 Quick Launch that survives reboots.