Native Alternatives: Mimicking Quick Launch Without Third-Party Software
Windows 11 has streamlined and enhanced the classic Quick Launch feature, making it an indispensable tool for power users and productivity enthusiasts. In this post, we'll explore what Quick Launch is, its benefits, and how to make the most out of it in Windows 11.
Note: This may not work in later Windows 11 builds due to taskbar redesign.
: Change the taskbar alignment from Center to Left under Taskbar behaviors to mimic the classic Windows layout. windows 11 quick launch
Under it, the word glowed green:
If you’re a power user who wants absolute control, tools like (restores Win10 taskbar) or StartAllBack are better long-term solutions.
If you prefer the Windows 10 taskbar layout—which still natively supported the creation of custom toolbars—you can use . This utility restores the Windows 10 taskbar code within Windows 11. Step 1: Install ExplorerPatcher : Change the taskbar alignment from Center to
It’s faster than Quick Launch ever was.
These icons will now appear as a neat row of quick-access targets at the bottom of your Start Menu. Modern Third-Party Alternatives
Windows 11 does not include the classic Quick Launch toolbar. Power users can restore it reliably via or StartAllBack . For most users, pinning apps to the taskbar or using PowerToys Run provides a cleaner, faster workflow. Microsoft’s direction favors modern launchers over legacy toolbars. This utility restores the Windows 10 taskbar code
A file explorer window will open. In the folder address bar at the top, copy and paste the following directory path: %appdata%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
The taskbar shimmered. For one breathless second, the entire Windows 11 interface collapsed inward—rounded corners snapping square, acrylic blur turning to solid beige, the centered icons sliding violently to the left. The Start button turned green. The clock had serifs.
: Items can be reordered within Quick Launch by clicking and dragging them to your preferred position.
The classic , a beloved feature from the Windows XP and Windows 7 eras, was officially removed from the native taskbar experience in Windows 11. Microsoft has replaced this functionality with pinned icons and a simplified, centered taskbar design.
: This is a power setting that saves a part of the system state to the hard drive to speed up boot times. Optimization