Quick Answer
- To pin a new shortcut to a file or a Windows directory, right-click RocketDock and click Add Item>.
- Thanks to free third-party desktop toolbars such as Linkbar and RocketDock, you can add an extra taskbar with a few clicks.
- If you manage or run multiple apps on your Windows PC, adding an extra taskbar can help you access them at your fingertips.
Windows Taskbar makes it easy to access apps or switch between different programs with a single click. However, the experience gets bitter if multiple apps are pinned to it, with no room left to add more. Having an extra taskbar solves the problem. This explainer provides in-depth details to help you add an extra taskbar to Windows 11/10. Additionally, you can learn to resize the Windows taskbar if it’s too small or big.
Why Do You Require an Extra Taskbar?
Adding an extra taskbar to Windows might sound weird at first, but it offers the following advantages to its users:
- If you manage or run multiple apps on your Windows PC, adding an extra taskbar can help you access them at your fingertips.
- You can use the extra taskbar to make the existing one less cluttered and spacious, improving icon visibility.
- You can add multiple shortcuts to apps, folders, files, and drives in the extra taskbar, keeping your desktop fairly clean.
Methods to Add Additional Taskbar to Windows
Thanks to free third-party desktop toolbars such as Linkbar and RocketDock, you can add an extra taskbar with a few clicks. These taskbars are far more customizable than Windows, allowing you to personalize it any way you like. Follow these methods to install and experience them on your Windows machine.
Method 1 – Using Linkbar
Linkbar is a free portable software that lets you add an extra taskbar (or multiple ones) on Windows, which is customizable to its core. Be it icon size, padding, appearance, or screen positioning, everything can be adjusted using its settings. Here’s how you can install and make the most out of it.
1. Download Linkbar from SourceForge on your Windows PC.
2. Right-click the downloaded ZIP file to extract its contents.
3. Open the extracted folder and double-click Linkbar64.exe to launch it. Alternatively, you can run Linkbar.exe if your system runs on 32-bit architecture.
4. Create a new Linkbar account using Only Me, pick the destination directory to save the configuration, and click Create.
5. An extra taskbar will be instantly added to your screen at the top.
6. To populate the new taskbar with apps, right-click to add a New Shortcut.
7. Click Browse and select your desired file, folder, disk, or app to create a shortcut.
8. Click Next to continue.
9. Finally, provide a name to the created Shortcut and click Finish.
10. Congrats! You’ve successfully added a shortcut to your new taskbar. Repeat the process to include more of your favorite apps.
Tip: You can drag an app/shortcut from your desktop directly to Linkbar to add it.
11. You can also separate the apps for better visibility by inserting a new Separator.
12. Similarly, more taskbars can be added to your screen using New > Linkbar and repeating the above steps.
13. Linkbar also offers various customizations in its settings to configure Panels, Items, Styles, and additional settings to improve its look and feel.
14. Finally, you can delete individual apps or remove the entire taskbar via Right-Click> Delete the link bar if you don’t like using it.
Method 2 – Using RocketDock
RocketDock is another free application launcher program that offers an extra taskbar similar to the macOS. Like Linkbar, RocketDock provides many options to personalize its look and feel to help you with better productivity. Follow these steps to install and use RocketDock on Windows.
1. Download RocketDock from Softonic and run its installer file.
2. Click Next and follow the on-screen installation wizard to install it.
3. Launch RocketDock by searching it in the Start Menu once installed.
4. A macOS-like centered taskbar will instantly appear on your screen with pre-configured shortcuts to various apps. Hovering your mouse cursor produces a bulge-out animation highlighting each icon.
5. To pin a new shortcut to a file or a Windows directory, right-click RocketDock and click Add Item> File/Path.
6. If you wish to change the position of the new taskbar, right-click the dock and pick your desired Screen Position.
7. Finally, you can personalize RocketDock by configuring individual settings for Icons, Positions, Styles, and Behaviour.
8. If you wish to close RocketDock at any point, right-click the doc and press Quit.
FAQs
Q. How to Add Another Taskbar in Windows 11?
You can install various freeware tools such as Linkbar and RocketDock to add another taskbar to Windows 11. Check the detailed steps listed above to learn to add it to your desktop.
Q. How to Install and Use Linkbar on Windows?
Simply download the portable software, extract it, and double-click to launch it. Once opened, set its user-account accessibility and right-click to add new shortcuts to your taskbar. You can also drag an app directly to the taskbar to add it. For more details, check the Linkbar method above.
Q. Can I Add Multiple Taskbars on Windows?
Unlike RocketDock, Linkbar allows you to add multiple taskbars to your Windows screen. This means you can set up any amount of taskbars to efficiently organize and manage apps/shortcuts.
Wrapping Up: Manage More Apps With Extra Taskbars!
This brings us to the end of this explainer, where we discussed the nits and grits of adding an extra taskbar to the Windows system. If you find it useful, forward it to your friends and subscribe to our blog for awesome Windows tips and tricks. Also, don’t forget to check the below links to personalize the Windows taskbar.
You might be interested in the following:
- 5 Ways to Get Drag and Drop Feature on Windows 11 Taskbar
- 3 Ways to Disable Microsoft Teams Chat Icon in Windows 11 Taskbar
- How to Get Windows 11 Style Centered Taskbar on Windows 10
- 7 Ways to Resize Icons on Windows 11/10
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If you’ve recently updated to Windows 11 and are worried about Toolbars missing from Taskbar. Then, this article will help you to enable and add Toolbars on the Windows 11 Taskbar.
Undoubtedly, Microsoft has completly redesigned Windows 11 and introduced some new features. But, Microsoft also removed some useful features, which was earlier available on Windows 10. Like, now in Windows 11, you cannot add Toolbars on the Taskbar. You now only get TaskBar settings and Task Manager options when you right-click on the Taskbar.
Earlier, there was an option to add new Toolbars. With Toolbars, you can add frequently used Programs, Files, Folders, Desktop, links, etc. Yes, in Windows 11, you can manage Taskbar and system tray icons. However, some Internet Speed Meter programs still require a Toolbars option. So, here’s how to quickly enable Toolbars on Windows 11.
Enable Toolbars on Windows 11 Taskbar
1. ExplorerPatcher
ExplorerPatcher is a free and open-source program designed to enhance the working environment on Windows 11. It allows you to enable/disable File Explorer features. It adds all features to the Explorer, which is removed on the latest Windows. Yes, it also does add a Toolbars option. You can access it by right-clicking on the Windows Taskbar. So that, you can easily add Toolbars on the Windows 11 Taskbar. However, it moves taskbar items to the left, just like Windows 10 Taskbar. With Explorer Patcher, you can also Change the Weather Widget Position on Windows 11 Taskbar.
1. First, do download the latest version of Explorer Patcher from GitHub.
2. Once the Explorer Patcher gets set up gets downloaded. Do right-click on the “ep_setup” and after that click on Open.
3. Windows Protected your PC window might appear, click on More info > Run anyway.
4. UAC window might appear, click on Yes.
5. Gray/Black screen might appear for a few seconds or a minute.
6. After that, the Desktop will appear. Now, right-click on the Taskbar anywhere, and you will find the Toolbars option.
7. Go to Toolbars > New Toolbar.
8. New Toolbar – Choose a folder screen will appear. Do select any folder that you want to add to Taskbar. Click on Select Folder.
9. That’s it, a new toolbar will get added to the selected folder.
10. You will see a >> icon next to the folder name. Click on it and you will find all folder items. From it, you can quickly open any file.
11. Yes, you can also add custom programs to Windows 11 Taskbar using Toolbars Feature.
12. And, if you want to get back your old Windows 11 Taskbar. Then from Control Panel, you can uninstall Explorer Patcher. Yes, your screen will go black again for a few seconds. And, you will get uninstall complete message.
13. Do right-click on the Windows 11 Taskbar and then Click on Properties, to open Explorer Patcher Settings.
14. Since Explorer Patcher is an advanced version of File Explorer. And, it adds more features. So, you can enable/disable explorer features using App Properties.
2. Tray Toolbar
The TrayToolbar app allows adding any folder to the custom menu. However, it doesn’t add options to Right-Click Taskbar menu. The app adds a folder icon to Windows 11 system tray. You can add a path to the Tray Toolbar App icon. And, the app icon will show you all items in that folder. So that, you can quickly access all items.
1. First, go to the following link and do download Tray Toolbar and Windows Desktop Runtime Setup.
2. First, do run the “windowsdesktop-runtime-6.0.1-win-x64” setup file and install it on your Windows 11 Computer.
3. Once, Windows Desktop runtime gets installed. You will get the installation successful message.
4. After that, do right-click on the TrayToolbar Compressed folder and then click on Extract All > Extract.
5. Open the Extracted Folder and you will find the TrayToolbar application.
6. Right-click on it and then click on Open.
7. “Windows protected your PC” screen will appear. Click on More info > Run anyway.
8. Now, in System Tray, you will find a folder icon. Do right-click on it and then click on Options.
9. An options window will get open.
- Path: Enter the path of the folder, to which you want to be a menu.
- Depth: You can enter 5 in it.
- Icon: Keep it enable.
10. After entering all details, simply close the Options window. And, after that, do right-click on the Tray Toolbar icon and then click on Refresh.
11. That’s it, now click on the TrayToolbar icon. And, you will see all items in the added folder.
12. Now, you can quickly launch any item by clicking on it.
Среди прочих «новшеств» Windows 11 — невозможность перемещать панель задач: она всегда расположена снизу экрана. И, как это обычно происходит, через короткое время после выхода новой ОС появляются сторонние утилиты для её настройки. В этой статье о бесплатной программе Taskbar 11.
Taskbar11 позволяет закрепить панель задач Windows 11 сверху экрана, уменьшить или увеличить панель задач, а также убрать с неё ненужные значки (можно сделать и в Параметрах).
Настройка панели задач Windows 11 в Taskbar11
Скачать утилиту Taskbar11 можно с официальной страницы разработчика в GitHub . Учитывайте, что фильтр SmartScreen в Microsoft Edge может блокировать загрузку файла. Причина — «малая известность», по VirusTotal на дату написания этой статьи в файле всё чисто.
После скачивания и запуска Taskbar11 откроется окно настроек программы, где вы можете настроить следующие параметры:
- Taskbar Position — расположение панели задач. Два варианта — снизу или вверху рабочего стола.
- Taskbar Size — размер панели задач. Стандартный, маленький или большой. Учитывайте, что при выборе маленького размера, обрезается область с часами.
- Taskbar Indentation — расположение (кнопка Пуск слева или по центру).
- Taskbar Icons — возможность включить или отключить значки на панели задач, такие как поиск, чат, просмотр задач и Мини-приложения (виджеты).
- Taskbar Corner Icons — системные значки в области уведомлений (рукописный ввод, сенсорная клавиатура, виртуальная сенсорная панель).
- Taskbar Behavior — отметка позволяет автоматически скрывать панель задач с экрана.
По завершении выбора предпочитаемых настроек, достаточно нажать кнопку «Save», чтобы данные были сохранены (записываются в реестр), а проводник — перезапущен. В результате вы сразу увидите результат настроек, в примере на изображении — главная возможность программы: перемещение панели задач Windows 11 вверх.
Видео
В моем тесте утилита работает с некоторыми багами. В частности, меню при нажатии кнопки «Пуск» в любом случае открывается слева, даже если сама кнопка расположена по центру. Также заметил, что параметры после нажатия кнопки Save не всегда сохраняются. Тем не менее, не исключаю, что кого-то из читателей утилита сможет заинтересовать.
В этой публикации, друзья, рассмотрим, как сделать панель задач в Windows 11 вверху экрана. Windows 11 – это операционная система, внутренне базирующаяся на Windows 10, но с новым интерфейсом, с новыми технологиями системной оболочки. Интерфейс Windows 11 предусматривает новую, отличную от классической реализацию меню «Пуск» и панели задач. Эта реализация привнесла новые возможности типа групп привязки и стыковки окон. Но лишила панель задач классических возможностей как то: функционал панелей инструментов, перетаскивание ярлыков, настройка размера панели и её значков, крепление панели вверху и по бокам. Частично эти возможности можно вернуть сторонними инструментами, например, с помощью программы- твикера Winaero Tweaker и утилиты-твикера Taskbar11 с GitHub. Давайте рассмотрим, как с помощью этих инструментов поместить панель задач наверх экрана.
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Winaero Tweaker – это бесплатная программа с огромным множеством твиков для тонкой настройки Windows. В последних версиях этой программы появился целый блок твиков именно для Windows 11, и эти твики в основном решают вопросы возврата этой операционной системе классических функций. Winaero Tweaker может реализовать классическое контекстное меню, классический проводник, классическую панель задач. Может менять размер панели задач и её значков. И может реализовать размещение панели задач вверху экрана. Winaero Tweaker, правда, предусматривает твики и для размещения панели задач по бокам экрана, но тогда панель становится нерабочей. А вот при размещении панели вверху рабочего стола она исправно работает.
О возможности размещения панели задач вверху экрана и прочих возможностях Winaero Tweaker для Windows 11 смотрите в статье сайта «Winaero Tweaker для Windows 11».
Реализовать панель задач в Windows 11 вверху экрана также можно с помощью бесплатной утилиты-твикера Taskbar11, созданной энтузиастами с GitHub. Это небольшая узкопрофильная утилита, она предназначена сугубо для настройки панели задач Windows 11. Утилита в основном дублирует системные настроечные возможности панели задач в Windows 11, но Taskbar11 и предлагает две возможности, недоступные системными средствами. Это настройка размера панели задач и её значков. И это настройка положения панели задач вверху рабочего стола. В блоке настроек утилиты «Taskbar Position» выбираем «Top» для размещения панели задач вверху. Если надо вернуть как было, выбираем «Botton» для размещения панели внизу. Для применения настроек жмём «Save».
Вот это, друзья, как сделать панель задач в Windows 11 вверху экрана.
Windows 11 comes with a whole new set of features and improvements. One of the most talked about changes is the redesigned taskbar, which allows for more customization than ever before.
If you’re not happy with the default settings, don’t worry – there are some software options available to help you customize your taskbar just the way you want it.
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In this blog post, we will take a look at the best Windows 11 taskbar customization software options currently available.
#1. Ashampoo Taskbar Customizer
Ashampoo Taskbar Customizer is a great choice for those who are looking for an easy-to-use solution. It allows you to quickly and easily customize your taskbar in Windows 11. You can move icons, change their size, add more dividers, and much more. The program also offers some advanced options, such as customizing the context menu or creating your own keyboard shortcuts.
With ATC, you can modify the taskbar color and adjust the transparency as well, creating a more visually appealing experience.
#2. 7+ Taskbar Tweaker
7+ Taskbar Tweaker is a robust and powerful program that allows you to control nearly every aspect of your taskbar.
You can customize it any way you want, including changing the position of icons, organizing them into groups, and adding more dividers. The program also offers many advanced options, such as creating custom jump lists or setting up shortcuts.
With 7+ Taskbar Tweaker, there will be an option to lessen the extra space between anchored items and icons. Additionally, we may override the default behavior to define what should happen when double-clicking on a specific bar shortcut.
7+ Taskbar Tweaker is a great choice for people who want to customize their taskbar in more detail.
#3. TaskbarXI
TaskbarXI is a lightweight and simple taskbar customization tool developed by an independent developer Chris Andriessen. It allows you to convert your Windows 11 taskbar into a dock, pretty similar to macOS. It also gives you control over the position of your taskbar icons. You will be given the option to choose between a variety of different animations and change their speeds. The animations can be disabled if you don’t like animations and want them to move in an instant.
TaskbarXI is available on Microsoft Store, but it is not free to download. You can get it at a minimal price of $1.39.
#4. Start11
Start11 is an amazing Windows Start menu and taskbar customization tool developed by the Stardock software company. This amazing tool lets you customize your Windows 11 start menu and taskbar to provide it with a personal touch. The Start Menu in Windows 11 is undoubtedly one of the most significant changes, but if you don’t like it and are habitual of using the Windows 10 Start Menu, the Star11 will let you get back to the old Windows 10 Start menu on your Windows 11 system.
Along with that, it also comes with an amazing set of options to customize the taskbar. On Windows 11, there is no option to reposition your taskbar like in Windows 10. However, with Start11, you can move your taskbar to the top, left, or right.
The application is not available on Microsoft Store, but you can download it for free on Stardock’s official website.
#5. TranslucentTB
TranslucentTB is a lightweight program that offers an elegant way to customize the taskbar in Windows 11. The program has an intuitive user interface and allows you to easily change the transparency, color, size, and position of your taskbar.
The Windows 11 taskbar may be customized using this small, lightweight, and simple-to-use tool to give it a more attractive appearance by making it translucent and transparent. It consumes extremely few system resources, making it compatible with older or less powerful systems.
Conclusion
Windows 11 taskbar customizations can make your computer more attractive and easier to use. By utilizing any of these top Windows 11 taskbar customization software, you can easily customize the look and feel of your PC to make it more appealing while improving its productivity.
With the right software, you can customize your taskbar with just a few clicks. The programs listed here are some of the best Windows 11 taskbar customization software options currently available – each one offering its own unique features and advantages. Choose the one that fits your needs best, and start customizing your taskbar today!
What is the best Windows 11 taskbar customization software?
All of the programs listed here are excellent options for customizing your Windows 11 taskbar. It’s important to choose one that fits your needs and preferences, as each has its own unique features and advantages.
Is it safe to use a taskbar customization program?
Yes, it is safe to use a taskbar customization program. All of the programs listed here are reliable and secure, so you can feel confident about using them.
Can I customize my Windows 11 taskbar without using the software?
Yes, it is possible to customize your Windows 11 taskbar without using the software. You can use the built-in options in the Settings app to make changes to your taskbar – although some of the more advanced features may require a third-party program.
Peter is an Electrical Engineer whose primary interest is tinkering with his computer. He is passionate about Windows 10 Platform and enjoys writing tips and tutorials about it.