Q:
Help! How can I add items to my Quick Launch Toolbar in Windows Vista? I can’t quite figure it out!
A:
Ah, yes, the Quick Launch Toolbar. It’s one of my favorite things ever! And up until just a few days ago, I really missed it when working on some of the Windows Vista computers here in the office. Like the person who asked today’s question, I had a hard time figuring out how to get my Quick Launch items in place. I finally decided I couldn’t take it any longer, so I went on a research rampage and found some great information. So, when I saw this question in my e-mail the other day, I knew I had to share my news with all of you. Let’s check it out!
Before I go any further, I want to make sure everyone is clear on what the Quick Launch Toolbar is. Basically, it’s the set of icons that sit right next to the Start button on your desktop. They sort of look like mini icons, which makes it even more fun! The purpose of the Quick Launch Toolbar is to give you a quicker option when it comes to opening the applications you use most often on your computer. So, what can you add to the Quick Launch Toolbar? Well, just about anything. I usually just add the programs I use the most, but you can customize yours however you want!
So, once you decide what you want to add to your Quick Launch Toolbar, it’s time to work on getting it all set up. Here’s how you do it!
1.) Click on the Start button.
2.) From your Programs list, find one you’d like to add to your Quick Launch area.
3.) Right click on the program and choose Add to Quick Launch.
That program will then be added to your Quick Launch Toolbar for easy access. You can then go back to your Programs list and add any others you’d like. You won’t be able to add every single one, but you should be able to get the majority of your favorites set up.
Now, if you don’t like that method, there is an alternative. You can also drag and drop your programs into the Quick Launch area. To do that, find the one you want to move from your Programs list and then just drag it down and drop it into the area right next to the Start button. It will then automatically be added to your Toolbar. Or, if you ever need to delete an item from your Quick Launch Toolbar, you can do that by right clicking it and choosing Delete. Either way you look at it, it’s one of the easiest things you can do with your Vista computer!
Here’s to taking the frustration out of one more Vista how-to. Enjoy!
~ Erin