Windows Taskbar Tips and Tricks

Windows 7 continues to be the operating system I use. I will make the jump to Windows 10 when I purchase a new laptop. In the meantime, I am always looking for tricks, tips, and shortcuts that maximize my time and reduce my frustration.

Following are a few keyboard shortcuts, tricks, and tips that I have either been using for a long time or have recently discovered that help me use Windows 7 better. Some of you will think, “I’ve used that forever.” Others just might be glad to find a new shortcut they can use. Whatever camp you are in, I hope you will learn at least one new thing that will help increase your productivity.

While I cannot verify the following also work on Windows 10, I think many do and would suggest you test them out to see if they work in the same (or similar) way as Windows 7.

I use the Windows taskbar (at the bottom of your desktop screen) for managing access to programs I use often. I just do not like the clutter of icons on my desktop. Some do. I am not one of them.

Here are a few ways you can customize the taskbar that will make Windows easier to use.

The taskbar at the bottom of your screen does provide easy access to currently open programs. However, it can do much more. You can place programs permanently on the taskbar, add data files to the programs, and do all sorts of other tricks.

1) Add any program on the taskbar: Normally only running applications appear on the taskbar. When you close a program, its taskbar icon disappears. To keep the program icon permanently on the taskbar, right-click the icon and select “Pin this program to taskbar” (Windows 7) or “Pin to taskbar” (Windows 10).

2) Use the Winkey (Windows key): Press Winkey-1 and the first program displayed on the taskbar will open. If it is already open, it will get Windows’ focus. This allows you to have the first nine (9) programs attached to a keyboard shortcut.

3) Arrange the icons: You put the images in any order you desire with a simple drag and drop. This allows you to control which program any Winkey-number opens.

4) Open recently used file: Right-click a taskbar icon and you may find a list of files you’ve recently opened using that program. Select one of the files listed to open it again.

5) Pin a file to the program: The files on the program’s file list will disappear over time as you use more files. If there are files or documents you access often, you can pin the file to this list. If the file is already on the application’s jump list, hover the mouse pointer over the file name and click the pushpin icon that will appear to the right of the file.

You can add a file not on the list by opening the folder containing the file, dragging it on top of the program icon on the taskbar, and when the “Pin to…” message pops up, let go. Pinned files will be at the top of the list separated by a horizontal line from other files.

6) Quickly access folders and subfolders: You can add any folder to the taskbar. Right-click a blank spot on the taskbar and select Tools > New toolbar. This opens File Explorer, where you can navigate to any folder or drive. Once you click “Select Folder,” you’ll have a cascading menu of folders and files available on the taskbar.

Learning to use some of these shortcuts and tips just might make your day a little bit easier.

What Windows 7 or Windows 10 shortcuts and tips do you use? Let me know.