How to Pin a Website to Your Taskbar in Windows 11
Looking to jump straight to your favourite website from the taskbar in Windows 11? It’s a handy trick that saves a few clicks each time. Perfect for quick access to your email, news pages, or social media—just click on it, and you’re there, without wiring through the browser every time.
It’s generally pretty straightforward, especially if you’re using Microsoft Edge. Once pinned, it’ll sit alongside your apps, making your desktop more organised. These little upgrades can really speed up your daily routine—once you get the hang of it.
Getting Started with Microsoft Edge
Open Microsoft Edge, which usually comes as the default browser on Windows 11. If you can’t find it:
- Click the Start menu and look for Microsoft Edge.
- Or press Win + S, type
Microsoft Edge
, and hit Enter.
For quicker access later, consider pinning it to your taskbar:
- Right-click the Microsoft Edge icon and select Pin to taskbar.
Navigate to the Website
Type in the web address you want to add. Be sure you’re on the exact page, like your email at https://mail.example.com
.
Access the Browser Menu
Click on the three-dot menu (Settings and more) at the top-right corner of Edge. Alternatively, press Alt + F for a quicker route:
- Click on Settings and more (the three dots).
- Go to More tools.
Pin the Site
Select Pin to taskbar. Sometimes, this option appears directly when you right-click the tab or URL bar. If it’s not there, don’t worry—there’s a manual method.
Alternative Method: Create a Desktop Shortcut
If pinning directly doesn’t work:
- Go to the website.
- Open the menu and choose Apps > Install this site as an app. You can also navigate via Settings and more > Apps if that’s easier.
- Follow the prompts to create the shortcut.
- To add it to the taskbar:
- Right-click the newly created app icon.
- Select Pin to taskbar.
Verify the Pin
Your website should now be visible on your taskbar. Click it, and it should open straight in Edge. Want to change the icon? Just right-click it, go to Properties, and under Web Document, swap the icon if you like.
Quick Tips for Better Website Pinning
Pinning your favourites makes things easier. Edge allows you to turn websites into web app-style shortcuts, which look neater and keep your taskbar clutter-free. Here’s a handy tip:
- Use
Settings > Apps > Install this site as an app
to create standalone icons that play nicely in your Start menu or taskbar.
You can also drag icons around to organise them, making your desktop more tidy and accessible.
FAQs About Pinned Websites
Can I do this with other browsers?
While Edge makes it simplest, you can also create shortcuts in Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox:
For Chrome:
1. Open your website.
2. Click the three-dot menu, then choose More tools > Create shortcut.
3. Name it and tick the box to Open as window for a more app-like feel. Then click Create.
What if the site won’t display its icon?
Some websites don’t set up their icons properly and appear blank on the taskbar. You can fix this by editing the shortcut’s properties:
- Right-click the icon, select Properties, then choose a new icon from there.
Can I remove a site later?
Absolutely. Just right-click the icon on your taskbar and select Unpin from taskbar. Easy as!
Are there limits on what sites I can pin?
Most websites work fine, but some complex or interactive sites might not behave well when pinned. If that happens, try using the site in app mode instead.
How many sites can I pin?
No exact limit, but having too many can clutter your taskbar and slow things down a bit. Keep your most-used sites handy and stay organised.
Wrapping It Up
- Open Edge (or your favourite browser).
- Navigate to the website you want quick access to.
- Use the menu to install it as an app.
- Then pin that shortcut to your taskbar.
Pinning websites to your taskbar is a great way to streamline your Windows 11 experience. It means fewer clicks, less tab clutter, and easier access to the sites you use every day. Whether it’s work, news, or your social favourites, it’s a simple trick that keeps you moving faster.
Play around with these shortcuts and combine them with Windows 11 features like Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops for even more efficient workflows.