Tech Tip – Add a Desktop Toolbar to the Taskbar

Save time by being able to access all desktop files and shortcuts directly from the taskbar without minimising windows. Here’s how:

To Enable Desktop Toolbar (Windows 10) :

– Right-click the taskbar, go to Toolbars, and select Desktop.

Use the Toolbar:

– Access desktop items from the dropdown arrow on the taskbar.

To Enable Desktop Toolbar (Windows 11) :

– Open Taskbar Settings

– Select Taskbar behaviours

– Choose Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop

– Click the empty box to enable it

This is tip is especially helpful for multitasking or managing shortcuts.

Tech Tip – Use “Auto-Hide Taskbar” to Increase Screen Space and Focus

The Auto-Hide Taskbar option hides the taskbar when not in use, maximising screen space and creating a cleaner desktop environment, which can enhance focus and reduce distractions. Here’s how to use it:

How to Enable Auto-Hide Taskbar

Open Taskbar Settings:

– Right-click on the taskbar (at the bottom of your Windows screen) and select Taskbar settings.

Toggle Auto-Hide:

– For Windows 10, under “Taskbar,” check the box for ‘Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode’.

– For Windows 11, scroll to “Taskbar behaviours,” then check the box for ‘Automatically hide the taskbar’.

– When enabled, the taskbar will remain hidden until you move your mouse to the bottom edge of the screen, which is especially useful for smaller displays or a cleaner look.

How to Reverse It Back Again

Open Settings:

– Press Win + I to open the Settings app.

Search for Taskbar Settings:

– In the Settings search bar, type “taskbar settings”.

Select Taskbar Settings:

– Select ‘Taskbar settings’ from the search results.

– This takes you directly to the taskbar options where you can toggle Auto-hide on or off quickly.

– Alternatively, right-click any blank area on the taskbar itself (if it’s hidden, move your mouse to the bottom of the screen to reveal it) and choose Taskbar settings directly from the context menu.

Tech Tip – Pin Websites to the Taskbar Using Microsoft Edge

Pinning frequently used websites to your taskbar using Microsoft Edge allows you to access them quickly, just like any other app, enhancing your workflow efficiency. Here’s how to do it:

– Launch Microsoft Edge from the Start menu or taskbar.

– Navigate to the Website you want to pin to the taskbar.

– Click on the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of Edge.

– Select ‘More tools’, then click ‘Pin to taskbar’.

– The website will now appear as an icon on your taskbar for quick access.