Windows 10: How do I add FreeLaunch to the Windows 11 Taskbar?

There is a wonderful application known a FreeLaunch NOT Quicklaunch. That worked with Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10.All you had to do was install it then RIGHT CLICK on the Windows Task Bar and it would be an option that you could select. Now when you right click on the Windows 11 taskbar, you get an icon for Taskbar Settings. When you click on it, you get all kinds of options, none of which indicates FreeLaunch.I really like using this utility. Please tell me that Windows hasn't "depreciated" it.So how does one add this to a Windows 11 Taskbar?

:)

 

Windows 11 taskbar icons not working

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I appreciate your interest in Windows 11. I understand that Taskbar icons are not working after upgrading to Windows 11. I’ll certainly assist you with the issue.



However, please let us know:

1. What happens when you click on an icon on the Taskbar?
   
2. Do you receive any error message/code?
   
3. Does this issue occur with all the icons?
   

Meanwhile, I would suggest you to try re-registering the taskbar and see if that works. Kindly follow the steps mentioned below.

1. Press Windows + X keys together and click on Windows PowerShell (Admin)
   
2. Now type in the following command and hit Enter: Get-AppXPackage -User ([System.Security.Principal.WindowsIdentity]::GetCurrent().Name) *ShellExperienceHost* | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
   
3. Restart the PC once the command is complete.
   

If the issue persists, you can try creating a new user account and then see if you are able to access the icons on the Taskbar.



Let us know how it goes.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Can't move taskbar on windows 11

Hi Mads,

I am Sumit here to assist you with this question.

Moving the Taskbar is not supported, yet.

List of Changed or removed features/functionalities in Windows 11

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

Move the Taskbar: Moving the Taskbar to any part of the screen and resizing it is not supported yet.

Microsoft is tracking collection of this in the Feedback, I suggest you to vote for the same in the Hub.

Something like ExplorerPatcher may help in the meantime.

Improve Windows 11 Taskbar functionality using these tools

https://www.yourwindowsguide.com/2021/09/restor...

ExplorerPatcher

ExplorerPatcher is a 3rd party tool that aims to bring the older Windows 10 styled functionality in the Windows 11 Taskbar by adding DLL files in 3 specific directories of WIndows. Because the older code is still present in Windows 11, the Windows 10 styled taskbar is enabled by putting the DLL file. Some of the functionalities the developer claims is restored are below:

Restores Windows 10 styled taskbar menu.

Restore Windows+X context menu.

Show app list by default in Start menu.

Ability for start menu and search to align left and many more

How to use ExplorerPatcher

Download the Software from this GitHub Repository:

https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher/rele...

Hope that helps.

Content on the above blog is written by a Windows MVP so it is safe. However, do watch out for the ads.

 

Windows 11 Taskbar unlock

That doesn't seem like a step backwards, it IS a step backwards, in fact ALL the changes that have been made to the Windows 11 taskbar are a step backwards.