Efficiency and personalization go hand-in-hand when navigating the digital environment of Windows 10. Among the myriad of customization tools is the “Pin to taskbar” feature. For those unfamiliar, this option surfaces when you right-click on an application, allowing you to anchor specific programs to your taskbar. The pinned applications can then be launched with a mere click, offering quick access to frequently used software. Conversely, if an app loses its utility, the “Unpin from taskbar” choice makes removing it a breeze. However, not every user finds constant value in these options. If you’re among those who seldom use these features or prefer a decluttered context menu, Windows 10 provides avenues to obscure both “Pin to taskbar” and “Unpin from taskbar.” Whether through the Group Policy or the Registry Editor, users can fine-tune their right-click context menu, ensuring it aligns perfectly with their usage patterns and preferences.
Use the following steps to add or remove “Pin to taskbar” and “Unpin from taskbar” from Context Menu using Local Group Policy Editor:-
Step 1: First, go to the Local Group Policy Editor on your computer.
Note: You must activate gpedit.msc if you’re using Windows 11 Home Edition.
Step 2: Browse the following in the Local Group Policy Editor:-
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
Step 3: To modify its option in the right sidebar, double-click on the policy labeled Do not enable pinning program to the Taskbar.
Step 4: Select the Enabled option.
Step 5: Click on Apply.
Step 6: Click on OK.
Step 7: Reboot your computer after signing out from your account.
The Pin to taskbar option gets eliminated from the right-click context menu once you’ve finished the above steps. Also, you won’t see the Unpin from taskbar option when you right-click on any pinned apps on the taskbar.
Follow the steps above again, but this time choose the Not Configured option in Step 4 to make the Pin to taskbar and Unpin from taskbar options appear in the Windows 11 context menu.
Use the following steps to show or hide the “Pin to taskbar” and “Unpin from taskbar” from the Windows 11 context menu with the help of the Registry Editor:-
Step 1: Go to the Registry Editor on your computer.
Step 2: Search the following in the left sidebar of the Registry Keys:-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
Step 3: Navigate to New > Key options after right-clicking on the Windows folder.
Step 4: Name new key Explorer.
Step 5: Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value from the context menu when you right-click on the freshly formed Explorer folder.
Step 6: Double-click the new DWORD to change its Value data and give it the name NoPinningToTaskbar.
Step 7: Change the “Value data” to 1.
Step 8: Click on OK.
Step 9: Apply the changes by rebooting your computer.
The “Pin to taskbar” and “Unpin from taskbar” context menu items won’t show up on your Windows 11 computer until you’ve finished the above steps.
Navigate to the following in the Registry Editor to undo the changes:-
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
Double-click on NoPinningToTaskbar in the Explorer key’s right-sidebar to modify its Value data from 1 to 0.
Step 1: First, go to the Registry Editor on your computer.
Step 2: In the left sidebar of the Registry Window, navigate to the following:-
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
Step 3: Next, choose the Delete option from the context menu after right-clicking on the following sub-key under ContextMenuHandlers:-
{90AA3A4E-1CBA-4233-B8BB-535773D48449}
Step 4: If a prompt window shows up, click on Yes.
Step 5: Finally, apply the changes by rebooting your computer.
Use the following steps to display “Pin to taskbar” and “Unpin from taskbar” context menu items on Windows 10 using Registry Editor:-
Step 1: Go to the Registry Editor on your computer.
Step 2: In the left sidebar of the Registry Window, browse the following:-
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
Step 3: Next, choose New > Key by right-clicking on the ContextMenuHandlers folder.
Step 4: Name the new key as:-
{90AA3A4E-1CBA-4233-B8BB-535773D48449}
Step 5: Double-click on (Default) string on the right side and change its “Value data” to Taskband Pin.
Step 6: Click on OK.
Step 7: Reboot your computer to apply the changes.
Conclusion
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, the ability to personalize and optimize one’s operating system can greatly influence user satisfaction. Windows 10’s “Pin to taskbar” feature showcases this adaptability, offering quick access to frequently used applications. But with the diverse user base of Windows 10, not everyone finds these features crucial, leading to a need for customization. Both the Local Group Policy Editor and the Registry Editor provide ways to either enable or disable the “Pin to taskbar” and “Unpin from taskbar” options, depending on user preferences. With these tools, Windows 10 allows for a tailored experience, letting users decide how they wish to interact with their apps and taskbar. This adaptability, coupled with the user’s ability to change settings as needed, underscores the operating system’s commitment to a user-centric design.
