The Windows taskbar holds the Start menu, the Quick Launch toolbar, buttons for open windows, other toolbars, and the notification area. You can customize the Windows taskbar so it has the shortcuts and toolbars you need.
Show or remove the Quick Launch toolbar
The Quick Launch toolbar holds shortcuts to programs which you can click on to start the program. It's easy to turn it on and off.Add a shortcut to the Quick Launch toolbar
The Quick Launch toolbar sits next to the Start menu and holds icons for programs. With one click, you can start the program. Adding a shortcut for a program you use often can save you a little time everyday.Resize the Quick Launch Toolbar
The Quick Launch toolbar is at it's most useful if you resize it to hold the number of shortcuts you need in it. Thankfully, it's easy to do.- Resize the Quick Launch Toolbar (Vista)
Keep the Windows taskbar on top of other windows
If you always want access to the Windows taskbar, even when other windows are maximized to the full screen, you need to set the taskbar to always stay on top of other windows.Hide the Windows taskbar automatically when you aren't using it
To save a little space on your monitor, you can automatically hide the Windows taskbar when you aren't using it.Lock the Windows taskbar in place
Learn how to prevent the Windows taskbar from moving around the screen by locking it in place.- Lock the taskbar in place (XP)
- Lock the taskbar in place (Vista)
Group similar Windows taskbar items
When you have multiple windows for a single program open, it can be useful to have Windows group similar taskbar items. By grouping them, they won't take up as much space on your taskbar, but you can still switch between windows easily.- Group similar taskbar items (Vista)
Add other toolbars for quick access to Web sites and files
One of the easiest steps you can take to increase your productivity in Windows is to add toolbars to the taskbar. The additional toolbars give you quick access to files, letting you open them directly from the taskbar.Hide system tray icons
The system tray is a small area of the Windows taskbar that holds the clock and icons of programs. Some of the icons in the system tray are for really useful applications, like the volume control, network activity, and battery monitor. However, other are less useful, and you can hide them.- Hide system tray icons (Vista)