Taskbar - Pin or Unpin Apps in Windows 8

How to Pin or Unpin Apps to Taskbar in Windows 8 and 8.1​

   Information

This tutorial will show you how to pin or unpin an app (.exe file) or shortcut of an installed program to the taskbar on the desktop in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.

   Note

By default, your pinned apps on the taskbar are saved in both locations below.

In the registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Taskband

In the hidden TaskBar folder:
C:\Users\(user-name)\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar

In Windows 8 and 8.1, you will not be able to pin modern Store apps to the taskbar. These can only be pinned to the Start screen.

In the Windows 8.1 Update to be released on April 8th 2014 via Windows Update, you will now be able to Pin to Taskbar modern apps.

   Tip

You can also open a program (app) pinned to the taskbar by pressing the :winkey:+ # (1 to 10) keys from anywhere in Windows 8. You would use a number for how the pinned program is ordered on the taskbar from left to right (for taskbar at top or bottom) or top to bottom (for taskbar at left or right) location on the desktop.

EXAMPLE: Windows 8 Taskbar

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OPTION ONE

To Pin or Unpin Apps on Taskbar from the Taskbar

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1. Go to your Desktop, and do step 2 or 3 below for what you would like to do.​

NOTE: You could press the Windows + D keys to go to the desktop.​

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2. To Pin an App to the Taskbar​

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A) Drag a .exe file or shortcut of an .exe file to the taskbar until you see the Pin to (app name) pop-up, then drop the app on the taskbar. (see screenshots below)​

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B) While you have the app (ex: CMD) open, right click or press and hold on it's icon on the taskbar, and click/tap on Pin this program to the taskbar. (see screenshot below)​

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3. To Unpin an App from the Taskbar​

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A) Right click or press and hold on a pinned app's icon, and click/tap on Unpin this program from the Taskbar. (see screenshots below)​

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OPTION TWO

To Pin or Unpin Apps on Taskbar from the "Apps" Screen

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1. Open the Apps screen, and do step 2 or 3 below for what you would like to do.​

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2. To Pin a App to Taskbar​

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A) Right click or press and hold on a listed app that you would like to pin to the taskbar to select (check it), then click/tap on Pin to taskbar in the bottom application bar or context menu. (see screenshots below)​

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See also: How to Open Context Menu and Options Bar on Start Screen in Windows 8.1​

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3. To Unpin an App from Taskbar​

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A) Right click or press and hold on a listed app that you would like to unpin from the taskbar to select (check it), then click/tap on Unpin from taskbar in the bottom application bar or context menu. (see screenshots below)​

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See also: How to Open Context Menu and Options Bar on Start Screen in Windows 8.1​

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OPTION THREE

To Pin or Unpin Apps on Taskbar from the "Start" Screen

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1. Go to the Start screen, and do step 2 or 3 below for what you would like to do.​

NOTE: You could press the Windows key to go to the "Start" screen.​

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2. To Pin an App to Taskbar​

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A) Right click or press and hold on an app already pinned to Start that you would like to pin to the taskbar to select (check it), then click/tap on Pin to taskbar in the bottom application bar or context menu. (see screenshots below)​

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See also: How to Open Context Menu and Options Bar on Start Screen in Windows 8.1​

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3. To Unpin an App from Taskbar​

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A) Right click or press and hold on an app already pinned to Start that you would like to unpin from the taskbar to select (check it), then click/tap on Unpin from taskbar in the bottom application bar or context menu. (see screenshots below)​

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See also: How to Open Context Menu and Options Bar on Start Screen in Windows 8.1​

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OPTION FOUR

To Pin or Unpin Apps on Taskbar from Windows Explorer

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1. Open Windows Explorer, and do step 2 or 3 below for what you would like to do.​

NOTE: You could press the Windows + E keys to open Windows Explorer.​

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2. To Pin an App to Taskbar​

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A) Navigate to the .exe file or shortcut of an .exe file that you would like to pin to the taskbar, right click or press and hold on it, and click/tap on Pin to taskbar. (see screenshot below)​

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3. To Unpin an App from Taskbar​

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A) Navigate to the .exe file or shortcut of an .exe file that you would like to unpin from the taskbar, right click or press and hold on it, and click/tap on Unpin from taskbar. (see screenshot below)​

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OPTION FIVE

To Pin or Unpin Apps on Taskbar from "Search" Apps

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1. Start a Search for the name of the app you want to pin or unpin from the taskbar. (see screenshot below)​

NOTE: For example, by just start typing the name of the app while on the Start or Apps screen.​

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2. Right click or press and hold on the app in the search results, and do step 3 or 4 below for what you would like to do. (see screenshots below)​

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See also: How to Open Context Menu and Options Bar on Start Screen in Windows 8.1​

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3. To Pin an App to Taskbar​

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A) Click/tap on Pin to taskbar in the bottom application bar. (see screenshot below)​

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4. To Unpin an App from Taskbar​

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A) Click/tap on Unpin from taskbar in the bottom application bar. (see screenshot below)​

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That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

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• How to Open Context Menu and Options Bar on Start Screen in Windows 8.1
• How to Open the Taskbar in Windows 8.1
• How to Move Taskbar Location in Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Add or Remove "Pin to Taskbar" from Context Menu in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Pin or Unpin a Drive to Taskbar in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Pin or Unpin a Folder to Taskbar in Windows 7 and Windows 8
• How to Back Up and Restore Pinned Apps on Taskbar in Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Reset and Clear All Pinned Apps on Taskbar in Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Install Modern Apps from Store in Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Pin or Unpin a App, Folder, or Drive on Start Screen in Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Pin or Unpin Apps in "Search" Charm in Windows 8
• How to Add Quick Launch to Taskbar in Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Pin Recycle Bin to Taskbar in Windows 8 and 8.1
• How to Hide or Show Taskbar on Multiple Displays in Windows 8 and 8.1

 

[Ex_Brit]

You will not be able to pin Metro Store apps to the taskbar in Windows 8. These can only be pinned to the Start screen.

What a pity!!

 

[Brink]

Hello Peter,

Indeed. I do have a few shortcuts for some of the default Metro apps that can be pinned to the taskbar though.

Windows 8 Tutorials - Shortcuts

 

[Ex_Brit]

Thanks Shawn, I was aware of those. I was trying to get a shortcut to The Weather Network app to show in my notification area and alas, can only do it with the Bing Weather one and then only pin to taskbar.

I even took ownership of the Windows Apps folder to see if I could do it from inside there, no dice - no .exe to do it with unfortunately.

I hope I didn't screw up anything by taking ownership of that folder.

Ah well, I tried....LOL!!!

 

[Brink]

Nar, you'll just be able to access it now.

 

[Ex_Brit]

Thanks for the reassurance. I dread the day I have to do an sfc /scannow or repair or whatever as all my "Tweaks" with a capital T will be undone...!!

;-)

 

[JoeH]

Cannot pin shortcut to batch file to task bar. Is there a reason Microsoft decided that no one should be allowed to do that? I have important tasks I use daily that are run from batch files.

 

[Ex_Brit]

I haven't tried this myself but this is extracted from an old MSDN post regarding Windows 7 and should work for 8:

• First, pin a shortcut for cmd.exe to the taskbar.
• Right click the shortcut on the taskbar.
• You will see a list that includes "Command Prompt" and "Unpin this program from the taskbar".
• Right click the icon for cmd and select properties.
• In the box for Target, go to the end of "%SystemRoot%\system32\cmd.exe" and type " /C " and the path and name of the batch file.

You can also change the Icon or click the General tab and change the name of the shortcut if you wish.

 

[Brink]

Cannot pin shortcut to batch file to task bar. Is there a reason Microsoft decided that no one should be allowed to do that? I have important tasks I use daily that are run from batch files.

Hello Joe, and welcome to Eight Forums.

If you like, you could also enable Quick Launch on your taskbar, then add the batch files and anything else you like to Quick Launch to have available from the taskbar.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[JoeH]

Re taskbar & quickstart bar

Thanks, Peter. I hadn't realized only executables can be shortcuts. That's a bit dumbed down from all previous versions of windows but I can make that work knowing that--one minor irritation eliminated. Major ones left. I've used every version of windows since 3.0 and this one has me totally frustrated. It seems I have to search google for EVERY single thing I need to do with this. I am so glad I didn't install this over my win 7 pro, but in a virtual machine. Unfortunately I have many customers getting new machines and they expect me to tell them how to install and use our programs on win 8.

Can't see my vista or xp computers on the network (have spent 8 hours trying so far)
Can't see how to close an app once it's open except by switching to the desktop
Can't see how to add a search box on the start menu. Have to move the mouse off the edge, then wait for it to catch, then click the search icon.
Am using dual monitors so the" move the mouse to the left bottom corner" doesn't work.
I can't stand not having a minimize or window button on apps. Mostly when I use the Internet it's to look up something, then I need to put it in a smaller window while I use the info in some other program -- apparently only possible with the desktop.

Totally frustrated.

 

[Ex_Brit]

Thanks, Peter. I hadn't realized only executables can be shortcuts. That's a bit dumbed down from all previous versions of windows but I can make that work knowing that--one minor irritation eliminated. Major ones left. I've used every version of windows since 3.0 and this one has me totally frustrated. It seems I have to search google for EVERY single thing I need to do with this. I am so glad I didn't install this over my win 7 pro, but in a virtual machine. Unfortunately I have many customers getting new machines and they expect me to tell them how to install and use our programs on win 8.

Can't see my vista or xp computers on the network (have spent 8 hours trying so far)
Can't see how to close an app once it's open except by switching to the desktop
Can't see how to add a search box on the start menu. Have to move the mouse off the edge, then wait for it to catch, then click the search icon.
Am using dual monitors so the" move the mouse to the left bottom corner" doesn't work.
I can't stand not having a minimize or window button on apps. Mostly when I use the Internet it's to look up something, then I need to put it in a smaller window while I use the info in some other program -- apparently only possible with the desktop.

Totally frustrated.

I know the frustration believe me. I can only answer one or two pointd, maybe Brink can answer others.

If those batch commands need elevated/Admin authority you can make a shortcut to en elevated Command Prompt as well : http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2754-elevated-command-prompt-open-windows-8-a.html or Elevated Command Prompt Shortcut - Windows 7 Help Forums

Not too sure why you can't see your other systems, I can see all 5 of mine - Brink????

Close an app: http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/4125-apps-close-windows-8-a.html

In the Start screen just start typing and it will search for whatever you type and give a list above, or see 'S' http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/6795-windows-8-tutorial-index-2.html#post185904

Dual Monitors are outside my experience...Brink??

Min/Max windows, not sure about that either.

Good luck.

 

[Brink]

Thanks, Peter. I hadn't realized only executables can be shortcuts. That's a bit dumbed down from all previous versions of windows but I can make that work knowing that--one minor irritation eliminated. Major ones left. I've used every version of windows since 3.0 and this one has me totally frustrated. It seems I have to search google for EVERY single thing I need to do with this. I am so glad I didn't install this over my win 7 pro, but in a virtual machine. Unfortunately I have many customers getting new machines and they expect me to tell them how to install and use our programs on win 8.

Can't see my vista or xp computers on the network (have spent 8 hours trying so far)
Can't see how to close an app once it's open except by switching to the desktop
Can't see how to add a search box on the start menu. Have to move the mouse off the edge, then wait for it to catch, then click the search icon.
Am using dual monitors so the" move the mouse to the left bottom corner" doesn't work.
I can't stand not having a minimize or window button on apps. Mostly when I use the Internet it's to look up something, then I need to put it in a smaller window while I use the info in some other program -- apparently only possible with the desktop.

Totally frustrated.

Please go ahead and create new threads for these separate unrelated questions to keep this tutorial on topic, and we'll see what we can do to help.

 

[JoeH]

Network problems were result of Virtual Machine setting

The frustration with the network turns out it was just vmware workstation which set the network to a setting that did not allow discovery of the other machines. As soon as I changed it to the same as my other virtual machines, Win 8 discovered all the machines on the network. This was my biggest frustration to this point.

I was able to set up a quicklaunch bar and move it around so it looks & works pretty much like win 7, using info from ex_britt -- thanks.

The note on just typing "s" on the search screen will be useful as well.

Still a long way from comfortable with win 8 yet.

 

[Ex_Brit]

You can type a word on the Start screen to initiate a search. I was referring the the S section of the Tutorial Index. Anyway, it seems you are slowly getting there, good luck ;-)

 

[Brink]

Tutorial updated for Windows 8.1 Update to be released on April 8th 2014 via Windows Update, you will now be able to Pin to Taskbar modern apps.

 

[RpD]

Using Win8.1 Update... and I can pin various Modern apps, like Mail, Stocks, Photos to the Taskbar... but when I pin Weather to the Taskbar, there is no icon... it simply pins a blank rectangle and I didn't notice this at first until I stumbled on it later. Does this happen to anyone else? Any idea on how to fix?

 

[Brink]

Hello RpD, and welcome to Eight Forums.

The Weather app displays it's icon properly for be when pinned to the taskbar.

You might see if uninstalling and reinstalling the Bing Weather app, then pin again may help.

Hope this helps for now,
Shawn

 

[RpD]

Well... it took two tries.
After uninstalling and reinstalling the Bing Weather app, I had only two options on right-clicking the app in the Modern interface... "Unpin from Start" and "Resize >" ...it no longer offered 'Pin to taskbar' or 'Uninstall' ...even after reboot ...but it worked to show weather. I also downloaded 'The Weather Channel', which did not go to Start, but was shown in All Apps and offered "Pin to Start" and "Pin to taskbar" and "Uninstall". So I went back to the Store and back to the Bing Weather app... which said it was available to install. So I hit Install, and it installed -again-... and now it has all the normal right-click options, still has all my locations, and, shows an icon when pinned to the Taskbar.
Thanks.

 

[Brink]

Great news.