How to Enable the Quick Launch bar in Windows 7

By default, the Quick Launch bar is not enabled on the Taskbar in Windows 7, as it was in Vista and XP. Instead, you're able to drag and pin programs to the Taskbar in Windows 7 for quick access to programs. However, if you want to bring back the Quick Launch bar in Windows 7 you can enable it by following the steps below which will restore the Quick Launch bar and the Show Desktop button as it was in Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows XP.

1. Right-click an empty area of the taskbar, choose Toolbars, (uncheck Lock the taskbar) and then click New toolbar.

2. Now copy and then paste the following to the Folder box, and then click Select Folder:

%AppData%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch

 3. You should now you see the Quick Launch bar with the text on the right-hand side of the taskbar. (To hide the Quick Launch text and program titles, right-click Quick Launch, and uncheck Show Text and Show title).

4. Drag the Quick Launch bar horizontally  to the leftside of the task bar (If you cannot move the Quick Launch bar, right-click the taskbar and make sure that the Lock the taskbar option is unchecked) .

5. To add a program in the Quick Launch bar, drag the desired icon to the Quick Launch bar.

6. To finish, right click again an empty area on the Taskbar and select Lock the taskbar.