Watch the video * Watch the video *
| Method | Difficulty | Looks like app icon? | Shows folder contents? | |--------|------------|----------------------|------------------------| | Shortcut pin | Easy | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (opens folder) | | Toolbar | Medium | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (dropdown) | | Third-party | Very Easy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
You no longer need the icon on your desktop; the link is now saved to your taskbar. Alternative: Using Taskbar Tool Programs
In the location box, type:
For more technical users or specific needs:
If you want the old “New toolbar” option back:
Here’s a comprehensive guide you can use as content for the topic: .
Give it the name of the folder you are pinning. Click Finish. Customizing the Folder Icon
Right-click an empty area of the taskbar → Taskbar settings .
Would you like a printable version or a script to automate Method 1?
If you want a more robust experience—such as a "Flyout" menu that lists all files in a folder when clicked—third-party apps are the best route.
Right-click on your desktop → New → Shortcut .
Right-click the new shortcut → Properties .
Apps like or StartAllBack restore Windows 10 taskbar features, including drag-and-drop folder pinning.
💡 If you have many folders to pin, consider using the Quick Access section inside File Explorer instead. You can pin File Explorer itself to the taskbar, and right-clicking the icon will show your pinned folders in a "Jump List."
These methods provide straightforward ways to add a folder shortcut to your Windows 11 taskbar for quick access.
| Method | Difficulty | Looks like app icon? | Shows folder contents? | |--------|------------|----------------------|------------------------| | Shortcut pin | Easy | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (opens folder) | | Toolbar | Medium | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (dropdown) | | Third-party | Very Easy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
You no longer need the icon on your desktop; the link is now saved to your taskbar. Alternative: Using Taskbar Tool Programs
In the location box, type:
For more technical users or specific needs:
If you want the old “New toolbar” option back:
Here’s a comprehensive guide you can use as content for the topic: .
Give it the name of the folder you are pinning. Click Finish. Customizing the Folder Icon
Right-click an empty area of the taskbar → Taskbar settings .
Would you like a printable version or a script to automate Method 1?
If you want a more robust experience—such as a "Flyout" menu that lists all files in a folder when clicked—third-party apps are the best route.
Right-click on your desktop → New → Shortcut .
Right-click the new shortcut → Properties .
Apps like or StartAllBack restore Windows 10 taskbar features, including drag-and-drop folder pinning.
💡 If you have many folders to pin, consider using the Quick Access section inside File Explorer instead. You can pin File Explorer itself to the taskbar, and right-clicking the icon will show your pinned folders in a "Jump List."
These methods provide straightforward ways to add a folder shortcut to your Windows 11 taskbar for quick access.