Forum Discussion
OMG - They DO listen! Pin it right on
sambul95 I use this same approach on a number of different form factors. Resolutions range from 1024x768 through 4k. Screen sizes vary from 10.1" to 65". Types of display include tablet, laptop, TV.
I have different combinations of browsers (up to about five) and sites (up to about five) on different systems, but I have yet to run out of room on my taskbar, even with regular (not small) icon size.
While the usage may be similar to web apps, it works better for me to have the item opened as a tab instead of in what seems to me to be an artificial new framed window that hides normal browser controls. To me I am accessing a web page, not a packaged app, so I prefer normal browser navigation.
It is not clear to me how a vertical favorites bar opening on hover would be an improvement. I would need two actions (hover to expand, point and click) to accomplish what I can do with one click by pinning the specific site to the toolbar (point and click).
It is not clear to me how a vertical favorites bar opening on hover would be an improvement.
Thanks for clarifying your usage case. It looks like you use just a few apps, and don't launch those from Taskbar anyway. Therefore, you have plenty of space left on Taskbar for webpage shortcuts, assuming its one row or hidden on smaller screens.
However, even in this scenario it seems faster to open a shortcut from Desktop rather than Taskbar, since on Desktop each shortcut has a Name, but on Taskbar one must hover a shortcut to get its name, and they all have same icons. Hence, starting a webpage from Taskbar is slower than from Desktop.
In case of using Favorites Bar pinned to Taskbar, when you hover the bar, it opens and shows all shortcuts with names, so its still faster to start a webpage this way.
But I never do any of this since doing so many things on a PC at once, so using proper apps for each task becomes a habit. I don't see benefit of scattering ANY shortcuts all around PC, they must be in proper places. For webpages either in Browser Sessions, Favorites, or New Tab Speed Dial depending on use frequency. In fact I don't use app desktop shortcuts either. Most programs are started from Search, a few from Taskbar, Win Service apps from Start Menu, then I open "recent" files from the Program. 😊
However, I can see your point which covers very limited PC use scenario: a few programs and 3-4 frequent webpages. Probably either workplace (SOHO) or older age scenario.
sambul95
Sam, I keep its desktop icon on the taskbar (#1, I changed from the default icon) and keep it (#2) minimized & living on the taskbar after click on its icon & configuring it as desired.; instead of > Desktop toolbar for it. It, also, shows on the Jumplist under Frequent . Any applications (Store or other 'programs') added or installed will show in this window. Rt Clk on items in the window gives this menu
Cheers,
DrewNice to deal with a dedicated https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/profile/7ecd8237-e25c-4751-8125-17f6998e0a7b?sort=LastReplyDate&dir=Desc&tab=Threads&filter=undefined&forum=allcategories&meta=&status=&mod=&modAge=&advFil=&postedAfter=&postedBefore=&threadType=All&page=1. You see I'm using smileys all the time now. 😊
It seems to be a Special Folder like Documents, i.e. aggregated links view. Therefore, duplicate links can be freely deleted from it. I just tried it, can be useful as Bird View apps inventory, except portable apps (not installable) not included. Still Search turns best suggestions faster, likely stats based.
I usually create a new Library in Desktop view, then create various aggregated by purpose app collection folders in it, including Portable Apps folder, and move installed app shortcuts from desktop to these folders . This way the Library is accessible from Desktop Toolbar, and has auto expandable app collections, while desktop is clean. Yet nothing can replace https://voidtools.com/support/everything/, when looking for some hidden gems on one's PC. 🧐
Nice to see someone taking an interest in this, Sam. I've turned many clients & others on to it & all use it & like it a lot. I use it constantly, have for years.
Instructions for creating Applications window
Using, %windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{4234d49b-0245-4df3-b780-3893943456e1}
Rt Clk on Desktop > New > Shortcut
In Location put %windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{4234d49b-0245-4df3-b780-3893943456e1}
Hit OK or Next (whichever it is)
In Name change explorer.exe to Applications
Hit Done or OK (whatever it is lol)
Now you click on the created desktop shortcut icon, Open it.
Now get rid of the Nav tree & change the View to List, Medium icons or whatever you prefer, but, have it Sort A to Z.
Lives on Taskbar as long as only Minimised. Have to redo from the desktop icon only if & when a reboot has been done.
NB: The created desktop icon can be changed from the default if desired.
Cheers,
Drewms4132
"I do launch them from the Taskbar. The ones I use less frequently, I resort to the Start menu."
There can be heaps of approaches & ideas for things, ways of doing things. Take a look @ this method...
Ok, just conversing, now... I, really, haven't used (in the sense people mean that) a Start menu since early 7 days. Nor do I have much on the taskbar. But, what I have used for a long time is an Applications window which, resides on the taskbar. It's a heck of a lot easier & quicker (finding an item) grabbing something from it than, bothering w/ Start. BTW, the End User picks how the content is displayed. Here's a couple of examples:
NB: Notice nothing inside a folder.
And since we are talking about Start menu, thought I would show mine...
Cheers,
Drew
Cheers,
Drew
DrewWith regards to " you use just a few apps, and don't launch those from Taskbar anyway", I do use just a few apps (e.g. Outlook, Yammer, Teams, Calculator), but I do launch them from the Taskbar. The ones I use less frequently, I resort to the Start menu.
With regards to "on Taskbar one must hover a shortcut to get its name, and they all have same icons", the pinned websites have unique icons so I do not need to hover over them to identify them. Here are two examples:
Even for some sites that do not have an icon, Pin to Taskbar has created a visual based on a letter. I have two that I can differentiate because one has the letter C and the other has the letter V. Since I don't have many, I have not yet encountered a situation where I have duplicates. If I did, I could differentiate by where I place them on the taskbar.
With regards to "Probably either workplace (SOHO) or older age scenario", my view is it has to do with the requirements of a particular role (including large corporations) and personal preference (regardless of age). People around me in common age groups have different styles they prefer when using their computers.
