For a cleaner interface, you can adjust which system icons appear on your taskbar. Right-click an empty area of the taskbar, select "Taskbar settings," and you'll see options to toggle the visibility of the search box, task view, widgets, and chat icons. Removing unnecessary system icons frees up more space for your pinned applications.
Right-click an empty area of your taskbar and ensure "Lock the taskbar" is unchecked. Right-click again, and you'll now see a "Toolbars" option in the context menu—this is ExplorerPatcher's restoration of the classic toolbar system. Hover over "Toolbars" and select "New toolbar". In the folder selection window, paste the path %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch and press Enter. Select the Quick Launch folder and click "Select folder".
If the modern taskbar compromises your productivity and you want the exact, classic Windows 10/7 Quick Launch toolbar back, you will need to use a lightweight open-source tool called . This software restores the legacy Windows 10 taskbar code that still sits hidden inside Windows 11. Step 1: Install ExplorerPatcher windows 11 quick launch
Microsoft removed it permanently for stock Windows 11. Only third-party tools or registry hacks (which are increasingly blocked) can bring it back.
How to Bring Back the Classic Quick Launch Bar in Windows 11 For a cleaner interface, you can adjust which
This change has frustrated many long-time users. The new taskbar’s pinned icons are and change their behavior depending on the app's state , which can be disorienting for users who thrived on the static, predictable nature of Quick Launch.
: Provides instant access to system toggles like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Brightness. Start Menu "Folders" Right-click an empty area of your taskbar and
Download the latest installer from the ExplorerPatcher GitHub page.
How to Bring Back the Classic Quick Launch Bar in Windows 11