The Windows Taskbar—the strip running along the bottom of your screen—is the command center of your computer. By default, it contains icons for the Start Menu, search, and the File Explorer. If Google Chrome is your primary web browser, you shouldn’t have to click the Start button, scroll through an alphabetical list of apps, and hunt for the Chrome icon every time you want to surf the web. You also shouldn’t clutter your desktop background with messy shortcut icons. By pinning Chrome directly to your Taskbar, you create a permanent, single-click launch button that is always visible, no matter what other programs you currently have open.
Method 1: Pinning an Open Window (The Easiest Way)
If you are currently reading this article inside Google Chrome, the hardest part is already done.
- Look down at your Taskbar at the bottom of the screen. Because Chrome is currently running, you will see the circular, multi-colored Chrome icon sitting there.
- Right-click directly on that Chrome icon on the Taskbar.
- A contextual “Jump List” menu will pop up. Look near the bottom of this list and click Pin to taskbar.
That is it. When you close the Chrome browser later, the icon will not disappear as it normally would. It will remain permanently docked on the Taskbar, waiting for you to click it tomorrow.
Method 2: Pinning from the Start Menu
If Chrome is closed and you want to set up your Taskbar before you begin working, you can pin the app directly from the main Windows menu.
- Click the Start Button (the Windows logo) in the bottom-left corner of your screen (or bottom-center on Windows 11).
- Without clicking anything else, simply type the word Chrome on your keyboard. Windows Search will instantly find the application.
- In the search results, you will see the Google Chrome app icon. Right-click on the icon.
- Select Pin to taskbar from the drop-down menu. (On Windows 11, this option might be located on the right-hand panel of the search results).
Organizing Your Pinned Apps
Once Chrome is pinned, you are not stuck with its default location. You can customize the layout of your Taskbar for maximum efficiency.
- Moving the Icon: Left-click and hold the Chrome icon on the Taskbar, drag it to the left or right, and release it to drop it into a new position. Many users prefer to drag their web browser to the absolute furthest left position (right next to the Start button) for the fastest possible access.
- Unpinning: If you ever switch to a different browser like Edge or Firefox and no longer want Chrome taking up space, simply right-click the pinned Chrome icon and select Unpin from taskbar. The icon will vanish.