Windows 11 Quick Launch May 2026

Windows 11 removed native support for the classic Quick Launch toolbar, but users can restore it via registry edits (which may cause stability issues) or by utilizing third-party tools like ExplorerPatcher. More stable alternatives include pinning apps directly to the taskbar or using modern Windows 11 features. For detailed, user-contributed methods on enabling Quick Launch, see the discussions on elevenforum.com.

June 14, 2003. Dad installed a new game. He said never to save things in the System folder. But I made a folder called “Quick Launch” inside the real Quick Launch folder. He’ll never look there. This is my secret place. windows 11 quick launch

Does this mean you cannot have a fast-launch area? No. It just means you need to either hack the registry to bring the old one back or adapt to better methods. Windows 11 removed native support for the classic

• Tip: You can also create shortcuts to specific folders or documents here.

• Right-click the taskbar → Toolbars (if available—if not, skip to third-party tools).
• Select New toolbar... -> Choose your QuickLaunch folder.

Resizing Quick Launch: You can't directly resize the Quick Launch area in terms of width or height through settings, but you can manage what you have pinned. Tip: You can also create shortcuts to specific

Report prepared: April 2026
Tested on: Windows 11 23H2 (Build 22631) and 24H2 (Build 26100)