Do you like shortcuts? Then you must love the Quick Launch Toolbar. The QLT allows a user to access programs they use most often. The QLT is located just right of your start button in the bottom left. What I like most about the Quick Launch Toolbar, is that you don’t have to minimize all your windows in order to launch your favorite programs from your desktop or programs folder.
XP Taskbar
Windows 7 Taskbar
The Quick Launch Toolbar in Windows 7 is not as easy to locate like in XP and Vista. Fortunately though, you can get it back in a few quick steps.
How to Activate Quick Launch Toolbar for Windows 7
- Right click the taskbar.
- You should probably also unlock the taskbar at this point.
- Go to Toolbar -> New Toolbar and type “%UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch” into the folder box, then click Select Folder.
How to make the Quick Launch Toolbar look like it did in Windows Vista
- Right click the taskbar.
- Uncheck “Lock the Taskbar”, then right click the divider and uncheck “Show Title” and “Show Text”.
- Right click the taskbar and check “Show Small Icons”.
You’re now more productive using the Quick Launch Toolbar in Windows7 by accessing your favorite programs with one click.
Another slick feature in Windows 7 for easily accessing items located on the Desktop (programs, files or folders) is the Aero “Peek” button located to the right of the clock in the System Tray (far right bottom corner).
The small rectangular Peek button is unmarked but by hovering your cursor over it all your open Windows become transparent and you can see the Desktop. By clicking on the Peek button all Windows minimize. Click the Peek button again and all Windows return to the the size and shape they were before. Very cool.
With Windows 7 you can right click on most program icons and the menu that appears will give you the option to “Pin To Taskbar.” You can easily populate the Windows 7 Taskbar with your favorite programs and then drag the icons around to position them where you want.
Mike,
Awesome comment! You need to guest post here at TechJaws!
Frank,
Guest posting sounds interesting. Could you shoot me an email with some details of what you would be looking for in terms of topics, number of words, etc.? Thanks.
Mike,
I will send over specifics on how to, and what content I would be interested in seeing.
If you are interested in or already have Windows 7 then it is worth reading this very comprehensive post for just about everything to do with installation/customization/information/tips & more:
http://ninjarabbits.blogspot.com/2009/11/hopefully-very-comprehensive-guide-to.html
nicholassimon,
Thank you for the share!
GREAT
since i’m just recently using windows7 this is great tips
Tommy,
I am glad you find this tip useful.
This is great stuff as usual.
So resourceful.
Bunny,
I try to keep up with the Jones-es the best I can!
I am new with windows 7.This is a great tip for all Windows 7 user. Thanks for sharing it.
Vincent,
You’re welcome!