The Windows 7 taskbar is a useful tool for launching applications, seeing what programs are open, and switching between open windows. With some customization, you can make the taskbar even more functional and personalized to your needs.
Table of Contents
Accessing Basic Taskbar Functions
The taskbar runs along the bottom of your Windows desktop by default. Here are some of the basic things you can do:
- Launch applications – Click on application icons pinned to the taskbar to open them. You can also open the Start menu and select programs from there.
- See open windows – Icons for open windows and applications appear on the taskbar. Click them to switch between windows.
- Minimize/restore windows – Click the minimize button on an open window to minimize it to the taskbar. Click the taskbar icon again to restore the window.
- Customize pinned icons – Right-click on any icon and select “Pin to taskbar” to keep it permanently pinned for easy access.
Customizing the Taskbar
To customize the Windows 7 taskbar with advanced options:
- Unlock the taskbar
- Right-click an empty area on the taskbar and uncheck Lock the taskbar
- Access Taskbar Properties
- Right-click the taskbar again and select Properties
From here you can customize:
- Taskbar location on screen
- Use small icons
- Auto-hide the taskbar
- Notification area icons
Some examples:
- Use small icons – Condenses size of icons to save taskbar space
- Auto-hide – Hides the taskbar until you hover over where it should be
- Notification area – Choose which system icons appear in the bottom right
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows 7 has keyboard shortcuts for accessing the taskbar and pinned applications:
- Windows key – Open/close Start menu
- Windows + number – Launch or switch to pinned app on taskbar by position
- Windows + T – Cycle through taskbar items using Aero Flip 3-D
- Shift + click taskbar icon – Open new instance of that application
These are just a few examples. Refer to this list of Windows 7 keyboard shortcuts for more advanced shortcuts.
Third Party Customization Tools
If the built-in settings are not enough, third party tools provide further taskbar customization options:
- 7+ Taskbar Tweaker – Tweak hidden taskbar options not exposed in Properties
- TransTaskbar – Set custom taskbar transparency level
- Taskbar Texturizer – Apply custom image textures to taskbar background
Be careful when using unofficial tweaking tools and back up your system first.
Conclusion
The Windows 7 taskbar is a big upgrade over previous taskbars, with lots of built-in customization options. By unlocking the taskbar, you can customize its position, size, visibility, pinned applications, and more. Keyboard shortcuts help you efficiently use it as well. Additional customization can be done with third party tweaking tools. Experiment with the settings to create a taskbar that works perfectly for your workflow.
