How To Pin and Unpin Apps To Taskbar

In today’s fast-paced digital world, enhancing efficiency is important for every Windows user. A smooth, unhindered workflow can significantly boost productivity and make a big difference in your day-to-day tasks. One of the best ways to achieve this seamless working experience, especially on a Windows computer, is by having your most frequently used applications at your fingertips – literally.

A better way is to launch applications easily without having to search through folders. Instead, you have your most-used apps just a single click away. How is this possible? The answer lies in pinning these applications to your taskbar.

The taskbar is a powerful tool that, when utilized effectively, can transform your user experience by providing quick and easy access to your preferred applications. This practice not only saves time but also makes your desktop cleaner and more organized.

How To Pin and Unpin Apps To Taskbar

Here is a guide explaining the process of pinning apps to your taskbar. There are also some tips and tricks to maximize the functionality of your taskbar. Whether you’re a novice user or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you leverage the full potential of your Windows taskbar to improve your workflow and productivity. So, let’s dive in and learn how to pin apps to the taskbar! But first, let’s understand what is pin to taskbar feature in Windows 11.

What is Pin to Taskbar feature in Windows 11? 

The Pin to Taskbar functionality in Windows operating systems lets you place your apps directly on the Taskbar. This allows easy access to your applications with a single click, eliminating the need to double-click desktop icons or search through the Start menu. The Pin to Taskbar option has been a feature since Windows 8 and continues to be available in Windows 11.

You can leverage this feature to enhance your productivity by using the Taskbar as a quick launch platform. Compile a list of frequently used apps and pin them to the Taskbar for easy access. All your essential apps will then be available right on the Taskbar, along with any other open applications. With some clever workarounds, you can pin virtually anything to the Taskbar in Windows 11.

Once you’ve pinned all your crucial apps, documents, drives, and websites to the Taskbar, it begins to resemble macOS’s Dock. So, if you’ve ever coveted the MacBook’s Dock, follow the straightforward steps outlined in this article to transform your Windows Taskbar.

How To Pin Applications To Taskbar

With a clear understanding of what pinning an app means, let’s explore the detailed steps involved in this process.

Step 1: Locate the App

The first step involves locating the application you wish to pin. There are a couple of ways to do this:

Through the Start Menu

Click on the Start button, represented by the Windows logo situated at the bottom left corner of your screen, to open your Start menu. Within this menu, you’ll see a list of all the applications installed on your computer. Scroll through this list until you find the app you’re looking to pin.

Now from the start menu itself you can see an option to “Pin to Taskbar” and on clicking it the app will be pinned to the taskbar.

Through the Search Function

If you’re having trouble locating the app in the Start menu, you can use the search function instead. Simply type the name of the app into the search bar located next to the Start button. As you type, matching results will appear.

Step 2: Right-Click on the App

Once you’ve located the app, right-click on it. Doing so will open a context menu with various options. This context menu provides several actions you can perform according to the app, such as running it as an administrator, opening a new window, or removing it from the Start menu.

Step 3: Select “Pin to Taskbar”

In the context menu, look for the option that says “Show More Options”. Hovering over it will open a submenu. Within this submenu, you should see the option “Pin to taskbar”. Clicking on this option will immediately pin the app to your taskbar.

And voila! The app is now pinned to your taskbar. You should see its icon appear at the bottom of your screen, ready for quick access whenever you need it.

How to Unpin an app from Your Taskbar

Over time, your needs may change, and you might want to declutter your taskbar. Unpinning an app is as straightforward as pinning it. Just right-click on the app’s icon on the taskbar, then select “Unpin from taskbar” from the context menu. The app will immediately vanish from your taskbar, freeing up space for other apps.

How to make more space in your Taskbar in Windows 10

If your taskbar is nearing capacity but you’d like to pin additional apps, there’s a simple solution: create more room. The trick is to replace the Search box on the taskbar with the compact Search icon. Here are the steps to do so:

1. Start by right-clicking an empty space on your desktop and selecting Taskbar settings.

2. Within the Personalization settings, navigate to the ‘Taskbar Items’ section.

3. On the right of ‘Search’ settings, you will get 4 options. ‘Search Box’, ‘Search icon and label’, ‘Search Icon only’ and ‘Hide’.

4. Click on the Down arrow next to the Search box to reveal the options. Switch from the Search box to the Search icon only. Immediately, the Search box on your taskbar will be replaced by the smaller Search icon.

5. This will create more room for Pinned Apps with the Search Icon.