How To Pin Downloads Folder To Taskbar In Windows 11

In Windows 11, the Downloads folder is the default location where all files downloaded via web browsers are saved. For instance, by default, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox save downloaded files to the Downloads folder.

Because downloaded files are saved in the Downloads folder, we often need to open the Downloads folder. While we can quickly access the Downloads folder by clicking its entry in the File Explorer navigation pane (left pane) or right-clicking the File Explorer icon on the taskbar and then clicking the Downloads option, an option to access it quickly would enhance the experience.

As you might know, on Macs, the Downloads folder is pinned to the dock by default so that users can quickly access recently downloaded files. Would you like to add the Downloads folder to Windows 11’s taskbar for quick access?

Although Windows 11 and earlier versions do not support pinning folders to the taskbar, there is a workaround to add the Downloads folder to the Windows 11 taskbar.

Complete the directions below to add the Downloads folder to the Windows 11 taskbar.

Tip: You can also assign a keyboard shortcut to the Downloads folder to access it quickly. Refer to our how to open Downloads folder with a keyboard shortcut guide for directions.

Add the Downloads folder to Windows 11 taskbar

Step 1: Open File Explorer Home, This PC, or any other folder.

Step 2: Right-click the Downloads entry in the left pane of the File Explorer, click Show more options, click Send to, and then click Desktop (create shortcut) to create a Downloads folder shortcut on the desktop.

Step 3: Now, on your desktop, right-click the newly created Downloads folder shortcut, and click Properties to open the Properties dialog.

Step 4: Here, under the Shortcut tab, look for the Target field. In the Target field, add “explorer” (without quotes) and a space after that at the beginning of the path. Refer to the image below if you are not clear about it.

NOTE: Once the “explorer” is added to the Downloads folder shortcut’s path, Windows 11 will use the default File Explorer icon for the Downloads folder shortcut as well. If you would like to change this icon, click the Change icon button, type imageres.dll in the “Look for icons in this file” field, and then select the Downloads folder icon before clicking the OK and then Apply button.

Step 5: Click the Apply button to save the added “explorer” and space to the default path.

Step 6: Finally, drag and drop the Downloads folder shortcut from the desktop area to the taskbar area to pin it to the taskbar. Simple as that!

Once added to the taskbar, you may move it to the desired position by clicking and dragging the icon.

From now on, you may click the Downloads folder on the taskbar to open it.

Step 7: If you want, you may now delete the Downloads folder shortcut icon from the desktop to free up the virtual space and make your desktop clutter-free.