How to Pin to Taskbar in Windows 11 (A Step-by-Step Guide)

The taskbar in Windows 11 is more than just a strip at the bottom of your screen—it’s your quick access hub. From opening your favorite apps to switching between programs, the taskbar is where productivity begins.

But what if your most-used app isn’t already there? No worries! Windows 11 lets you pin apps, folders, websites, and even files directly to the taskbar for instant access.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through all the different ways you can pin items to your taskbar in Windows 11, plus share some bonus customization tips.

Table of Contents

Why Pin Apps and Items to the Taskbar?

Here are a few good reasons to take advantage of this feature:

Speed – Open your favorite apps in a single click.
Organization – Keep everything important in one place.
Productivity – Reduce time spent searching for apps or files.
Customization – Make your taskbar fit your workflow.

Think of the taskbar as your desktop’s front pocket—you want the essentials right where you can grab them.

Step 1 – Pin an App from the Start Menu

The easiest way to pin an app is directly from the Start menu.

Click the Start button.
Find the app you want to pin.
Right-click it.
Select Pin to taskbar.

Done! Now the app will appear on your taskbar permanently (until you unpin it).

Step 2 – Pin an App While It’s Running

What if the app isn’t in your Start menu? You can still pin it when it’s open.

Launch the app you want to pin.
Look for its icon on the taskbar.
Right-click the icon.
Select Pin to taskbar.

This method is perfect for apps you use often but don’t see in the Start menu.

Step 3 – Pin a Desktop Shortcut

Got a program shortcut on your desktop? You can send it straight to the taskbar.

Right-click the shortcut on your desktop.
Choose Show more options (if the small menu opens).
Select Pin to taskbar.

Now the shortcut will live in your taskbar instead of cluttering your desktop.

Step 4 – Pin a File or Folder to Taskbar

Windows doesn’t let you pin files or folders directly, but here’s a trick:

Right-click the file or folder.
Select Create shortcut.
Move the shortcut to your desktop.
Right-click the shortcut → Show more options → Pin to taskbar.

This workaround gives you one-click access to your favorite files or folders.

Step 5 – Pin a Website to Taskbar

If you frequently visit a website, why not keep it on your taskbar?

Using Microsoft Edge:

Open the website in Edge.
Click the three-dot menu (…).
Go to More tools > Pin to taskbar.

Using Chrome:

Open the website in Chrome.
Click the three-dot menu → More tools > Create shortcut.
Tick Open as window and create the shortcut.
Right-click the shortcut and select Pin to taskbar.

Now you can launch your favorite site like it’s an app.

Step 6 – Rearrange Pinned Apps

Don’t like the order of your apps? Rearranging is simple:

Click and hold the app icon on the taskbar.
Drag it left or right.
Release it where you want it to stay.

This way, you can keep your most important apps in the center or left side for quick access.

Step 7 – Unpin an App from the Taskbar

Changed your mind? Removing an app is easy:

Right-click the app icon on the taskbar.
Select Unpin from taskbar.

Poof—it’s gone, but don’t worry, the app is still on your computer.

Step 8 – Pin Settings for Faster Access

If you often tweak settings, you can pin them too:

Open Settings (Windows + I).
Right-click any settings page (like Bluetooth & devices).
Select Pin to taskbar.

This is a time-saver for users who frequently adjust display, sound, or network settings.

Step 9 – Pin Control Panel or File Explorer

Some classic tools can also live on your taskbar:

File Explorer is pinned by default, but if not, right-click its icon and choose Pin to taskbar.
For Control Panel, search it in Start, right-click, and pin it.

Now old-school tools are always a click away.

Step 10 – Customize Taskbar Icons

After pinning apps, you can tweak how icons look and behave.

Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
Toggle options like Search, Widgets, Task view, Chat.
Adjust icon size and alignment (centered or left).

This helps you build a cleaner, more functional taskbar.

Step 11 – Pinning Apps Across Multiple Monitors

If you use multiple monitors:

Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
Scroll to Taskbar behaviors.
Choose how pinned apps show across displays.

You can keep apps on one main taskbar or duplicate them on all monitors.

Tips for Using a Pinned Taskbar Effectively

Keep only essential apps to avoid clutter.
Group similar tools (like Office apps) together.
Use keyboard shortcuts (Windows + number key) to open pinned apps quickly.
Refresh your setup regularly to match your workflow.

Benefits of Pinning to Taskbar

Time-saving – Skip searching through Start.
Productivity boost – Instant access to essentials.
Clean desktop – Fewer icons scattered around.
Personalized workflow – Make Windows 11 feel yours.

Conclusion

The taskbar in Windows 11 is your command center. By pinning apps, files, folders, and even websites, you can create a customized shortcut hub that saves time and makes your desktop more efficient.

Whether you’re working, studying, or gaming, knowing how to pin and organize items on your taskbar will make your daily Windows experience smoother and faster.

So go ahead—experiment with pinning, rearranging, and customizing your taskbar until it perfectly fits your style.

FAQs

Q1: Can I pin any app to the taskbar in Windows 11?
Yes, almost any app can be pinned, whether from Start, desktop, or while it’s running.

Q2: Can I change the size of pinned icons?
Yes, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and adjust the size.

Q3: Can I pin websites from browsers other than Edge?
Yes, browsers like Chrome and Firefox also allow creating shortcuts that can be pinned.

Q4: What’s the limit on pinned apps?
There’s no strict limit, but too many icons will crowd your taskbar.

Q5: Does pinning apps affect system performance?
No, pinned apps are just shortcuts—they don’t use extra resources.