Can I get back both Quick Launch bar + show all tray icons somehow?

How to Restore the Quick Launch Bar and Display All Tray Icons in Windows

For many Windows users, customization is key to improving productivity and personalizing the user experience. Two commonly discussed features that many enthusiasts miss are the Quick Launch bar and the ability to display all tray icons in the system tray. With tools like ExplorerPatcher and Windhawk, you can tailor your Windows interface to better suit your needs. If you’ve been struggling to restore both the Quick Launch bar and ensure that all tray icons are consistently visible, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you achieve that.

Step 1: Restoring the Quick Launch Bar

The Quick Launch bar, an old feature from earlier versions of Windows, allows for quick access to frequently used applications. To re-enable the Quick Launch bar:

1. Right-click on your Taskbar: Ensure the taskbar is unlocked by right-clicking on it and checking if “Lock the Taskbar” is unchecked.
2. Select Toolbars > New toolbar: From the context menu, hover over “Toolbars” and then select “New toolbar.”
3. Locate the Quick Launch Folder: In the “New Toolbar” dialog that appears, navigate to the following path:

   C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch

Replace [YourUsername] with your actual username.

4. Select the Folder: Click on the “Quick Launch” folder and click on “Select Folder.”
5. Position the Quick Launch Bar: You should now see a Quick Launch section on your taskbar. You can click and drag the handle to reposition it to your liking.

Step 2: Displaying All Tray Icons

The system tray, or notification area, can become crowded, making it essential to ensure that all of your important icons are visible. To display all tray icons consistently, follow these steps:

1. Access Taskbar Settings:

• Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.”
• Navigate to the section titled “Notification area.”

1. Customize Icons: Click on “Select which icons appear on the taskbar.” Here, make sure that you toggle the option “Always show all icons in the notification area” to on.
2. Check App Preferences: Some applications may have settings that control their visibility in the tray. Open these applications and look for options related to tray icon behavior.
3. Using Windhawk: Since you have Windhawk installed, check if any additional settings or additional scripts can force certain tray icons to remain visible. Windhawk allows for customization beyond typical settings, and searching documentation or user-created scripts might provide solutions.
4. Reinstall App: If all else fails and certain icons continuously disappear, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the affected applications. Sometimes, glitches occur that can be resolved with a fresh installation.

Conclusion

Restoring the Quick Launch bar and ensuring that all system tray icons remain visible can greatly enhance your efficiency and user experience in Windows. By following the steps above, you can enjoy a more customized and functional desktop environment. Remember to frequently check for updates on your customization tools, such as ExplorerPatcher and Windhawk, as they continually evolve and improve user experience. If you encounter ongoing issues or specific errors, searching through user forums can provide helpful insights tailored to your particular setup. Happy customizing!