Windows

How to Pin Apps to Windows 11 Taskbar

Written by

Richard

Jul 29, 2021 Updated Apr 14, 2026 3 min read

This article explains how to pin application icons to the Windows 11 Taskbar from the Start Menu.

Why Pin Apps to Your Taskbar?

Accessing applications from the Taskbar in Windows is quite convenient! It allows for quicker access to the apps you use most frequently. You can launch them from the Taskbar rather than using the Windows Start menu or double-clicking their icons on the desktop.

Similar to Windows 10 and earlier versions, Windows 11 allows users to pin their favorite app icons to the Taskbar for easy access. Adding your preferred apps to the Taskbar is simple, and we’ll guide you through the process.

How to Add Program Icons to the Taskbar in Windows 11

Pinning apps to the Taskbar in Windows 11 is simple and straightforward. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open the Start Menu

To get started, open the Start menu by clicking the Start button or hitting the Windows key on your keyboard. When the Start menu opens, find the app you want to pin to the Taskbar.

Step 2: Pin Recent Apps

For this example, we will pin the Main apps to the Taskbar. If you have recently used the app, it will appear under Recommended. Once you find the app, right-click the app’s icon and click Pin to the Taskbar, as shown below.

Windows 11 Start menu showing the Pin to Taskbar option

Step 3: View All Apps

On the Start menu, you won’t see all the apps on the computer. Click the All Apps button to show all apps, as shown below.

Clicking the All Apps button in the Windows 11 menu

Apps are listed alphabetically. Scroll down the list until you find your favorite apps.

Alphabetical list of installed applications in the Windows 11 menu

Step 4: Pin Apps from the Full List

Once you’ve found the apps you want to add to the Taskbar, right-click on your favorite app’s icon. Then select More => Pin to the Taskbar, as shown below.

Selecting Pin to Taskbar from the Windows 11 apps list

Step 5: Check Your Taskbar

Now, your Taskbar should have all the apps you pinned.

Windows 11 Taskbar displaying several pinned application icons

That’s all to pinning apps to the Taskbar in Windows 11.

Step 6: Pin Apps from File Folders (Optional)

For some apps not on the All Apps list above, you can browse the apps folder and then pin the apps to the Start menu.

Right-click menu showing the Pin to Start option in Windows 11

Then go to the Start menu and pin the apps to the Taskbar. This adds another step to the process.

Pinning applications to the Windows 11 Taskbar from the Start menu

How to Unpin Apps from the Taskbar in Windows 11

If an app is no longer a favorite and you want to remove it from the Taskbar, simply right-click its icon on the Taskbar and select Unpin from the Taskbar.

Unpin from Taskbar option displayed on a Windows 11 app icon

That should do it!

Summary

Pinning apps to the Windows 11 Taskbar makes them easier to find and launch.
You can pin apps directly from the Start menu if you’ve used them recently.
Use the All Apps button to see all available applications on your computer.
Right-click any app and select Pin to the Taskbar to add it to your Taskbar.
You can also browse file folders to find and pin apps that don’t appear in the All Apps list.
Removing apps from the Taskbar is just as easy—right-click and select Unpin from the Taskbar.
Keeping frequently used apps on your Taskbar saves time and makes your daily tasks faster.

Was this guide helpful?

Tags: #Windows 11

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

2453 articles → Twitter