Windows 7 - Quick Launch
Give me back my Quick Launch!
One of the complaints that I hear about Windows 7 is that there is no Quick Launch Bar. I didn't see a need for it, but I tracked down instructions for returning it to the Taskbar. After setting it up, I realized that I could move most of my program icons off the desktop without using up half of the taskbar or making it a disaster. The ways in which it is useful become very appearant if you place your Taskbar vertically on your Desktop. There is only so much room in which to pin applications to the Taskbar. I personally find it more ergonomic, and visually pleasing, to have my frequently used programs in the Quick Launch area rather than cluttering the rest of the Taskbar when they are not in use. It's basically an organizational tool to me and until I can just drag and drop pinned items to wherever I'd like them (rather than just re-order them) on the Task Bar, I'm going to continue to espouse the virtues of returning the Quick Launch Bar.
Now...how do we get it back?
First, unlock the Taskbar
Right-click on the taskbar and then click on Lock the taskbar to uncheck (unlock) it.
Right-click on the Taskbar.
Then click on Toolbars and then on New Tool Bar in the menu that pops up.
In the New Toolbar - Choose a folder window, click in the Folder: dialog box near the bottom of the window.
Copy the following
%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
Paste the above into the Folder: dialog box near the bottom of the Toolbar - Choose a folder window and then click on the Select Folder button.
Now you can grab the divider immediately to the left of Quick Launch and drag it out to the left. There will be two icons already present in the bar, Show Desktop and Switch Between Windows.
I personally don't need the icon labels, so I turn them off by clicking on the Quick Launch bar anywhere you have an arrow (not a finger) and then click on Show Text to uncheck it.
You can get rid of the 'Quick Launch' text by clicking on Show Title to uncheck it.
I also want larger icons, so I right click in the Quick Launch bar again and click on View and then click on Large Icons.
Now I can add shortcuts (drag and drop) to the Quick Launch bar that I don't want cluttering up up my Taskbar or my Desktop.
When I'm done adding icons, rearranging them, and resizing the Quick Launch bar, I can lock the taskbar again and be happy in the knowledge that I'm better organized...for once.
For those who don't want to read down through all the many comments, there is a solution to the problem with the Quick Launch disappearing on re-starting your system. If you have the language bar on your task bar, there is a conflict and the Quick Launch suffers for it. Moving the Language Bar off of the Task Bar solves the problem.
Thanks for reading and I will be updating this page again once I've had a chance to use the final release of Windows 7.
Comments
I helpful to find at the top of living yet recently I've developed some sort of opposition.
i was also looking for a way to enable Quick-launch icon and restore icons in it but i didn't find any way in Windows 7. After several hours of search my friend suggest me this link (http://forums.techarena.in/customize-desktop/14557... helped me to bring back Quick-launch and its icons
I love this quick launch feature. It's very useful. Thanks.
Thanks a lot. Well explained. Works fine.
That was very easy, thanks!
In plus, in Taskbar and Start Menu Propertie > Taskbar it's an option "Use small icons" - must be activated!
Without this option will create an annoying space on QL.
- AUTHOR
Gabi, unlock the taskbar and then drag the upper edge up until it jumps to haivng a second row. Personally, I prefer having two rows when I have the taskbar at the bottom of the screen, but with wide-screen and/or dual monitors, I like having the taskbar to the left, like in the first image at the top of the page (I cropped the second screen from the image).
Ok, but how can i put the shortcuts from QL on 2 rows ?!
Thanks!
I'm having the same problem - quick launch disappears on boot every time - I don't have a language bar active (I can't find mention of one anywhere at least) and I do not have the NoActiveDesktopChanges in the registry, yet the Toolbar still disappears - any suggestions?
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av8, thanks for the hotfix link.
Precaq, what version of 7 is it and have you checked for the malware/registry entry problem and removed the language bar from the taskbar?
Trick is good, but familiarity is almost used.
Well the hotfix helps a lot, but not always, right now I'm installing a computer where the Quick Launch still keeps reseting regardless the hotfix...
Here is the link where you can download KB979155:
Try to install this hotfix:
- AUTHOR
Hi Stark.
Are you using the language bar?
Have you checked for the NoActiveDesktopChanges registry item?
Both of those are potential issues. I haven't looked into Peter's question, yet, but I will.
If you have a downloaded theme from a questionable source, I would assume that could easily be the issue. Some themes that you find online aren't...passive on your system. They can be aggressive and not very even particularly stable.
I have a problem With Quick Launch disappearing too ,
every 5 , 7 , 10 ... normal restart the Quick Launch disappear
I think this is related to windows 7 Theme , or Something ...
I had this very same problem (Quick Launch disappears after log off) on a system with three user accounts. Only one had the problem and they had changed from the default theme. The other accounts are fine! Thankfully it is working on mine. Someone mentioned Windows 7 search. Here is a cool tool that gives classic search for Windows 7 XP style.
http://goffconcepts.com/products/filesearchex/inde...
After tweaking Quick Launch and installing this tool (and uninstall Windows 7 indexing search!) I am really loving Windows 7 x64!
Well Guys, Thanks for all efford
I followed your discussion because I´m running Windows 7 Ultimate since 2 month ago with the same problem, except that the Quick Lauch bar disappears EVERY TIME the computer is turned on.
Everything you suggested is tested, but don´t help. Now checking in the registry under
HKEY_Current_User\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\
i discovered the following entry´s:
NoToolbarsOnTaskbar Reg_Dword 0x00000000 (0)
NoToobarCustomise Reg_Dword 0x00000000 (0)
Could the setting of this entry´s have any importance to the issue ?
- AUTHOR
Thank you Teemu. You should also check to ensure that you don't have the registry item "NoActiveDektopChanges"
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\NoActiveDesktopChanges
I believe MalwareBytes will find this entry and take care of it, so no need to go mucking around in the registry...
I have the exactly same problem with disappearing Quick Launch bar and I also had the language bar on my task bar but I removed it completely. I have Windows 7 64-bit, which I bought about 3 months ago. First I thought the reason for this behaviour was Microsoft's own updates but now reading this page with the comments, I am hoping it is really the Language bar.
I am keeping my fingers crossed now and hoping the bar will stay from now on. Thank you for excellent page about the so loved Quick Launch bar :)
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Thank you dj_karol, Josef and Ulrich. I was glad also that this problem was solved and I'm glad to have the solution posted here. Sorry about the delay in responding, but I'm no longer getting any ntoification of new comments on my pages.
William, I'll have to check that out, but the registry fix is actually a result of malware, and doesn't fix the conflict between the QL bar and the Language bar.
I had the same problem, then I removed the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\NoActiveDesktopChanges. I found if the quick launch bar is closer to the language bar, then the problem would be occurred again. so I moved the QL bar a bit far from the language bar, then it worked just fine without turning off the language bar.
I sure hope Microsoft patches this in the future. I'm one of those Win7 users who truly needs both the Quick Launch and the Language Bar. And I sure would like to put my Language Bar back on the task bar someday.
Thank you guys. Removing the language icon from the taskbar helped me to solve the problem. There were disappearing ANY toolbars after reboot, not just the "quick launch" bar.
Thanks a lot guys for this info. It's been very very helpful. I've spent hours searching for solutions to this problem on the net, but none of available solutions were correct.
This problem persist in full version of Win 7 unfortunately (Vista to Win 7 Home Premium upgrade), and similarily to Yay! I've been with MS Win since it first came out, but unlike most of people here, I did experience this problem in previous versions of Win like 98 and XP, but then it was in connection to themes and copying user account settings. So therefore thank you very much once again, as it has saved me a lot of hustle and stress. Regards and keep it going.;)
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Sam, Have you tried running an anti-malware to see if you have the 'NoActiveDesktopChanges' bug?
You can look at the registry key to see if you have it, as well.
Here's the entry in question:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\NoActiveDesktopChanges
Thanks to Jakuza who's comment on this is above...
What if you don't actually have a language bar? I can't seem to find it let alone get rid of it.
Every restart the Quick Lauch will disappear!
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Thank you, Yay!. I appreciate the compliments. Personally, I couldn't see having nearly 20 programs pinned to the task bar so I was really glad that I could get the QL bar back. I really like having items pinned (like sticky notes, explorer and Firefox), but I need the organization that the QL bar affords for the other frequently used items. Enjoy!
I freaking love you! I was sooo disappointed when I saw my quicklaunch bar was gone, It's been there since win 98, possibly 95, but I was too young (only about 5 or 6) to notice. It's always been there and I love it because I have all the programs I use frequently at the click of the mouse. I'm very happy you posted this :) I'm going to favorite it should I ever need to use it again.
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Thank you Steve. I will be getting the retail version of Professional or Ultimate (I haven't decided yet) soon. Once i do that, I will rework this hub since I will need to take new screenshots at least (to lose the watermark). I still have found no other solution to the disappearing Quick Launch than removing the Language Bar from the Taskbar.
Great info, i have this full version!
i have full version, I am in MSDN AA
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"suggenstions" Wow, I really need to start using Firefox here so that my dyslexic typing doesn't get me in trouble.
That's the trend with the language bar on the task bar... Good to know that it's not just the Quick Launch that's affected by it. We'll still have to see if that happens with the retail (not RTM pre-release) version.
oh :( after 2 restarts it disappears :(
- AUTHOR
I wouldn't think that another partiiton would make any difference as the folder itself only contains shortcuts and not more than a dozen or so at that. I would agree that it shouldn't be in the root directory (C:), though. It's best to have as few folders as possible there. Thanks for the suggenstions.
yes I have language bar, everything is as I used have in Vista or XP. just make it in another folder, the best at another particion...like I wrote above :)
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Hi lenso.
Does the created toolbar remain when you have the lanquage bar on the taskbar? If so, then I might use that as a solution to the problem. I actually already knew about this to circumvent, but It's a little more complicated than the copy and paste method I outline above... In any case, I'm going to wait to rewrite the tutorial until I have the actual release installed and can play around with it. This issue may not even exist in the final release.
I got it :)
this is solution: do not make QuickLaunch this way!!!: add new toolbar --> %userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
, but you have to make it in another folder, best is when you make it another particion: for ex. I made it at: add new toolbat --> D:\my toolbar
and that's it :) after restart everything it ok
Thank you jakuza ,l had that problem too,l removed language part on the task bar and there is no problem now
Thanks! :)
- AUTHOR
Thank you Jakuza. Just looked through and realize that I hadn't really directly said that. As I said, I'm really happy to see that problem resolved.
You are welcome guys. :D
- AUTHOR
Well, hopefully it is a bug that is fixed in the final release. I will update here and let everyone know if it is fixed, or still present. At least now I know how to replicate the problem so I can test for the bug. Good deal...
It's been 2 weeks now and my Quick Launch toolbar is still where it's supposed to be. Thank you again so much!
Very weird bug, I never had that problem with XP.
Yes, the language bar can be off the taskbar, just floating somewhere on your desktop. Quicklaunch will not dissapear then. I think this is good solution of keeping the language bar visible and having quicklaunch in the right place, especially when you have to see the input language. I use 3 input languages, so for me it is critical to see which language is selected. Actually I didn't like the floating language bar, but since it's only way of keeping quicklaunch in Windows 7, it's not that bad. I found a place for it in the middle top of the screen. It fits nicely there. Moreover, if you make it transparent, it better integrates with overall visual look of Windows 7.
- AUTHOR
Cool! So you don't even have to get rid of it, you can just move the language bar off the taskbar and that's it? Excellent. Thanks for that bit of info...
I had the same problem with quicklaunch. It was dissapearing after each restart. Thanks to you guys, I eliminated this problem by removing the language bar from my task bar. It solved the problem and quicklaunch is always there, where it should be! My language bar is just floating semi-transparent in the middle-top of the screen now.
- AUTHOR
Excelent. Glad you found a solution to the problem. Hopefully it stays that way... As for indexing and search, I never have to search document contents, so indexing is pretty useless for me.
So far so good! My Quick Launch toolbar has been solid for a week today. :-)
I have indexing on, otherwise Windows 7's search is useless for me. I need to be able to search within documents and unless I index my files, Windows doesn't even bother doing it (I wouldn't care if it takes longer, I just need to be able to run those searches). Long ago (on XP) I had installed Google desktop search (when it first came out) and it was so much better. A corrupt index file and privacy concerns with subsequent versions of Google Desktop Search prompted me to remove it.
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I hope that works for you ClaudeM. I personally always turn off the search (indexing, too) and language selector functions as part of my after installation clean-up routine. I did find the 'NoActiveDesktopChanges' key in the registry on my Father-in-Law's computer last night while scanning with MalwareBytes, but I think that just arrived on the system and he doesn't have a Q/L bar on his logon.
Thank you, Jakuza.
I've turned it off (I do use two different keyboards).
Since the last disappearance of the Quick Launch toolbar was last Thursday, it should be "due" any time now.
We shall see!!! :-)
Ok ClaudeM i fund another solution wich working on my Win 7, so try this:
Turn off the language selector and do it a reboot.
(The "shift+left alt" button combination, still change the active keyboard language, if you have two language, but you won't see EN or other country sing on bar, but Quick launch not disappear anymore.)
Unfortunately (or fortunately!) that key is not present in my registry.
My Quick Launch toolbar was there this morning (it had disappeared last Sunday and again on Thursday) so it's not something that happens "every Sunday" (and Thursday) like some pre-scheduled event.
- AUTHOR
Artemus, support for XP is going to be continued in the form of security updates and such into 2014. There just won't be any bug fixes. So those of us who are allergic to Vista still have two options.
You're welcome Racheal!
Thank you for posting that possible fix Jakuza! I hope we find the fix soon.
Delete this key in registry if you have.
This is a malware (Hijack.DisplayProperties) entry.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\NoActiveDesktopChanges
Headstrong Farm, I remember looking in the Events log last Sunday (when the QL toolbar disappeared) and I didn't see anything that seemed related to its disappearance.
It's a darn good mystery!
Thanks for publishing this helpful information
I have been watching 6 closely. I need a new computer and do not want to go with Vista and I know they plan on stopping support for XP. So I have been debating between 7 or Leopard.
My Quick Launch toolbar was gone this morning (so it disappeared last Sunday and today (Thursday)).
I tried the first one, regsvr32 /i shell32.dll and I got the error message:
The module "shell32.dll" was loaded but the call to DllInstall failed with the error code 0x8002801c.
Rats (again).
- AUTHOR
I was just wondering when I saw the above solution to QL problems that maybe Win7 isn't showing an error that's causing the toolbar to not launch. When you re-create it it resets, but then it errors out again. So give it a shot and see if it works. I almost wish one of my computers was doing this so that i could take a real shot at it. You could also take a look at the event log and see if anything hinky is showing up.
Oh, no worries. :-) I like doing this kind of problem-solving.
In my case, I have no problem creating the Quick Launch toolbar, it just vanishes after some unknown event (last time was Sunday Aug 23). When I re-create it, the icons I had added to it are all back.
Maybe it's a bug. Wouldn't be the first one! Either that or Microsoft is hell-bent on us using their "pin" feature (which I really don't like).
But if the problem doesn't happen to everyone who's added the Quick Launch toolbar, it's logical to assume that some other piece of software we have is messing things up.
- AUTHOR
Ok. I found this, too...
From:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/126116/windows_tips...
--Restore Quick Launch: If you right-click on your taskbar and choose Toolbars, Quick Launch, only to receive an error message telling you that the toolbar can't be created, you may be missing the Quick Launch folder, vital Registry entries, or some other important file. The Quick Launch folder should be in C:\Documents and Settings\profile name\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer (where profile name is the account you are logged into). If it's not there, you can either create it manually (click File, New, Folder inside the above-referenced folder and name it Quick Launch), or have Windows do it for you. For the latter option, choose Start, Run, type ie4uinit.exe, and press . Now try displaying the Quick Launch toolbar again.
If it's still a no-go, choose Start, Run, type regsvr32 /i shell32.dll, and press . Next, click Start, Run, type regsvr32 /i browseui.dll, and press .
--
Worth a shot, anyway. Sorry to bounce these off you, but I haven't replicated this problem, so it's the only way to find a solution.
I was feeling skittish about changing anything in "winlogon" (worried I might not be able to log in again!) but I ran Regedit anyway to see what I had there.
My registry key Userinit is already equal to C:\Windows\System32\userinit.exe, so I don't think that will solve it for me.
Rats.
- AUTHOR
muhammadharis, I believe, has a working solution to the problem. I can't replicate the disappearing Quick Launch, and ALL of my computers have userinit.exe set in the registry key mentioned in his comment. If your computer has wsaupdater.exe set, change it and see if that solves the problem.
yes my friend you can solved this q lunch problem by your self just do as i write here okay!
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\Windows\System32\wsaupdater.exe,
I pasted that line into Google and found a fix.
In Registry Editor (Start > Run... > regedit), navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Name: Userinit
Data: %system32%\wsaupdater.exe,
%system32% represents the path to the System32 folder. For example, if the path is C:\Windows\System32, then the data would be
C:\Windows\System32\wsaupdater.exe,
Instead of wsaupdater.exe, the data should contain userinit.exe,. Using the example above, the data would be
C:\Windows\System32\userinit.exe,
Do not forget to add the comma at the end.
Close the Registry Editor and reboot your computer. Problem solved.
- AUTHOR
Alright. So the folder with the contents of the toolbar aren't being changed, it's the taskbar or desktop that are being changed. Hmm... Let me work on this some more. Do you have your desktop theme saved? Is your taskbar locked? I've fixed my motherboard (new capacitors) so I'm more readily able to work on this problem, now.
If you'd like, contact me off this board and I think we can work this out a bit faster.
I booted my PC a few minutes ago (first reboot since yesterday morning) and my Quick Launch toolbar was actually gone. I re-created it, and took note of the date and time of the event.
I'm running NOD32 version 4.0.437.0 and I don't use a registry cleaner. The only spyware program I'm using at the moment is Windows' Defender.
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I've restarted my laptop four or five times and it hasn't gone anywhere. Then again, I haven't observed the problem first hand. I'm still not sure what would be causing it. Perhaps your anti-virus or a malware scanner could be disableing for some reason. More likely would be a registry cleaner like CCleaner or the like.
Thank you, Headstrong Farm.
I've done as you suggested and I'm crossing my fingers.
However, I'm doubtful it will solve the problem. These steps will prevent the system from changing the contents of that folder, correct? The shortcuts I've added to the Quick Launch toolbar are always intact once I've re-created the toolbar.
I'll start taking note of when the Quick Launch toolbar disappears. I still suspect it's some kind of automatic housecleaning or some such that wipes it.
- AUTHOR
Here is what I'm doing to test my theory out. I added a Quick Launch bar and then I opened up Explorer. I then pasted "%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer" into the address bar and hit enter. You should see the Quick Launch folder there. I right clicked on it and then clicked on 'Properties' and then on the 'Security' tab in the properties window and then clicked on the 'Advanced' button. Under the 'Permissions' tab click on the 'Change Permissions' button. Highlight 'System' and then click on the 'Edit...' button. Mark the deny check boxes for 'Delete Subfolders and Files' and 'Delete'. Then click on the 'OK' buttons for all the open windows and allow changes, blah, blah... If this seems to fix the problem I'll add it to the tutorial. So far, my Quick Launch bar hasn't gone anywhere...
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Let me work on this. Right now I'm going through a home renovation and a motherboard failure (early last month), so I don't have all my resources at my disposal. I'm wondering if it may work to simply change permission on the quick launch to lock it in for you. It also seems to only happen in RC x86. I never had it happen to me with x64... I'm on bld. 7100 x86 on my wife's laptop right now, so I'll check it out.
That is happening to me to. Quick launch toolbar disappear randomly and i have to reacreate it every couple of shutdowns.
It's happening to me too. I'm using Build 7100 (32-bit, RC1), NOD32 antivirus. I have not downloaded any screensavers (I'm using Window's "Photos").
I've tried:
%AppData%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
and
%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
for the toolbar shortcut and both work, but at some random later time (after a shutdown/boot or a reboot), the Quicklaunch toolbar disappears. It's not in the list of Toolbars either so I have to re-create it.
Something gets reset at some point. It's really annoying!
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Hi daniel. No, I've never heard of that happening. What release are you using? I've heard of all kinds of weird gremlins plaguing the leaked releases... It might also have something to do with your anti-virus. I've been using avast! with Windows 7 RC (x86 and x64) build 7100 on all three of my computers without a hitch. Another possibility is downloaded themes or screen savers. Sometimes they reset *your* desktop personalization settings, which may affect your quick launch bar. I'm interested in this problem. Let me know if you get it fixed. Good luck.
do you know something about the nasty quick launch disappearing ?
every 2 resets the quicklaunch disappears :(
Yeah. I have taken a look at the Win 7 beta. Looks as well Speed is quite improved compared to Vista. Especially, when you wake from sleep. WOW it is damm gud. Thanks for the ScreenShots.
thank you for this hub ....very informative...
new features in windows 7 will help the user...........
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