Windows 11 Quick Launch [exclusive] Jun 2026

However, user demand for Quick Launch remains significant. Microsoft forums and feedback channels contain thousands of requests from users asking for the feature's return, and this persistent demand may eventually influence Microsoft's priorities. In the meantime, the community-driven solutions described above continue to work, though each Windows update brings the risk of disruption.

Download and run from its official GitHub repository. Right-click the newly generated classic taskbar. Select Toolbars > Quick Launch .

The newest way to "quick launch" text generation is using the feature directly within Microsoft Notepad inside Notepad. How it works: windows 11 quick launch

Flow Launcher takes a similar approach with an emphasis on speed and extensibility. Press Alt + Space , type a few characters, and Flow Launcher immediately shows matching applications, files, or system commands. The fuzzy search capability means you don't need to type exact names—partial matches and approximations work perfectly. Flow Launcher integrates with Everything Search for instant file finding, supports web search shortcuts, and can even control media playback across your system.

ExplorerPatcher is an open-source utility that restores many classic Windows taskbar features, including the ability to add custom toolbars. It's widely considered the most stable third-party solution for Quick Launch restoration. However, user demand for Quick Launch remains significant

If you are looking for "Quick Access" (the list of frequent folders in File Explorer): File Explorer three dots (...) at the top → In the "General" tab, set Open File Explorer to: (or "Quick Access" in older builds). How do I get the Quick Launch bar back in Windows 11?

Right-click the item and select > Create shortcut . Download and run from its official GitHub repository

Click at the bottom-left of the window to apply changes. Step 3: Enable the Quick Launch Toolbar

Windows 11 replaces the traditional Quick Launch bar with a simplified pinning system, requiring users to pin apps or move the taskbar to the left for a similar experience. While third-party workarounds exist to restore the classic toolbar, pinning is recommended for stability to avoid potential system glitches. For a detailed guide on creating a custom Quick Launch toolbar, visit ElevenForum . Add the Quick Launch Toolbar to the Taskbar in Windows 11

After Explorer restarts, right-click your taskbar and look for the "Toolbars" option. If it appears, you've successfully enabled legacy toolbar support. Select "New toolbar" and browse to the custom folder you created earlier.

While Microsoft officially retired the traditional toolbar system in Windows 11, you can still bring it back with a little bit of know-how. Here is your ultimate guide to mastering the experience. What Happened to the Quick Launch Toolbar?