How to Add an Icon to the Windows Quick Launch Bar

The most convenient location to place a shortcut is the quick launch portion of the taskbar next to the "Start" button. The desktop can be obscured by windows and even the start menu can take some time to pop up. The quick launch bar is always readily available. The following steps explain how to add an icon to the Windows quick launch bar.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Display the quick launch bar if it is not already displayed. Click the right mouse button on an empty area of the taskbar to bring up the taskbar menu.

2. Select "Toolbars" and click on "Quick Launch." If you do not see the "Toolbars" option, click on "Lock the Taskbar" to clear the check mark.

3. Use My Computer, Windows Explorer or any other means that represents the desired file graphically. Move the mouse cursor over the file and hold the left mouse button down.

4. Drag the file by moving the cursor to the quick launch bar between the two icons where you want the new icon to appear. Drop it by releasing the mouse button. An icon should appear in the chosen location.

5. Create a shortcut to a website by starting Internet Explorer and going to that website. Find the Internet Explorer icon in the Address bar and drag it to the quick launch bar as described above. Clicking on this icon will start an Internet Explorer session and take you to the website automatically.

6. Copy a shortcut on your desktop by dragging and dropping it to the quick launch bar as described above. You still will have the shortcut on your desktop and it will reside in your quick launch bar as well.

Resources

• Learn more about adding an icon to the Windows quick launch bar.

[DrHow]

on 12/2/2008 Just what I wanted/needed, thanks!