A dialog box appears where you can describe what you want to write (e.g., "Draft a professional email" or "Create a travel list"). Windows uses Copilot AI to generate the content for you. 2. Instant Voice-to-Text (Dictation)
Navigate to the official ExplorerPatcher GitHub repository and download the latest stable installer ( ep_setup.exe ).
The classic toolbar has been officially removed in Windows 11. However, you can still replicate its functionality or restore the original feature using a few specific methods. 1. Enable the Classic Quick Launch Bar
Select (or Pin to Home in newer Windows 11 versions). windows 11 quick launch
In this guide, we will show you how to master the modern Quick Launch experience, from the basics of pinning apps to creating your own custom toolbars.
True power users know that the fastest way to launch an app isn't a mouse click—it's a keyboard shortcut. Windows 11 automatically assigns shortcut keys to the first ten apps pinned to your taskbar.
The new taskbar is built on WinUI/XAML, not the legacy Explorer.exe framework. A dialog box appears where you can describe
By default, the toolbar will appear on the far right of your taskbar, showing the text "Quick Launch" and icon names. To make it look classic:
Flow Launcher takes a similar approach with an emphasis on speed and extensibility. Press Alt + Space , type a few characters, and Flow Launcher immediately shows matching applications, files, or system commands. The fuzzy search capability means you don't need to type exact names—partial matches and approximations work perfectly. Flow Launcher integrates with Everything Search for instant file finding, supports web search shortcuts, and can even control media playback across your system.
Run the installer. Your screen and taskbar will briefly flicker or disappear as Windows Explorer restarts. Do not panic; this is normal as the software hooks into the explorer process. Step 2: Switch to the Classic Taskbar Style supports web search shortcuts
Right-click an empty area of your taskbar and ensure "Lock the taskbar" is unchecked. Right-click again, and you'll now see a "Toolbars" option in the context menu—this is ExplorerPatcher's restoration of the classic toolbar system. Hover over "Toolbars" and select "New toolbar". In the folder selection window, paste the path %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch and press Enter. Select the Quick Launch folder and click "Select folder".
The most reliable, open-source tool for this task is . Step 1: Install ExplorerPatcher
Fortunately, you do not have to accept this limitation. While Windows 11 does not natively let you right-click the taskbar to add custom toolbars, multiple workarounds—ranging from standard system modifications to third-party open-source utilities—can bring back this vintage productivity powerhouse.