Pinning Gmail to your taskbar in Windows 11 allows you to access your email quickly without opening a browser each time. By following these straightforward steps, you can add Gmail to your taskbar in no time.
How to Pin Gmail to Taskbar Windows 11
This guide will walk you through the process of creating a shortcut for Gmail on your desktop and then pinning it to your taskbar. By the end, you’ll have quick access to your email right from your taskbar.
Step 1: Open Google Chrome
First, open Google Chrome on your Windows 11 PC.
Make sure you have Google Chrome installed, as this method uses Chrome’s features to create a shortcut.
Step 2: Go to Gmail
Navigate to the Gmail website by typing “gmail.com” into the address bar and hitting Enter.
Ensure you are logged into your Gmail account to complete the next steps effectively.
Step 3: Open the Chrome Menu
Click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of Chrome to open the menu.
This menu is where you can find options to customize and control Google Chrome.
Step 4: Install Gmail as an App
In the menu, hover over “More tools,” then click on “Create shortcut.”
A pop-up window will appear asking if you want to create a shortcut for Gmail. Check the box that says “Open as window.”
Step 5: Create the Shortcut
Click the “Create” button, and a Gmail shortcut will appear on your desktop.
This step converts Gmail into a standalone app, making it easier to pin to your taskbar.
Step 6: Pin to Taskbar
Find the newly created Gmail shortcut on your desktop, right-click on it, and select “Pin to taskbar.”
This action will move the Gmail icon to your taskbar for quick access.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the Gmail icon will appear on your taskbar. You can now click on it whenever you need to check your email, without opening your web browser.
Tips for Pinning Gmail to Taskbar Windows 11
- Use Google Chrome for this process: Chrome is the best browser for creating web shortcuts in Windows 11.
- Check the “Open as window” option: This ensures Gmail opens in a separate window, like an app.
- Customize the icon: If you want a different icon for Gmail, you can change it by right-clicking the shortcut and selecting “Properties.”
- Keep the desktop shortcut: In case you remove it from the taskbar accidentally, you’ll still have the desktop shortcut to pin again.
- Use other browsers: While this guide uses Chrome, other browsers like Edge also have similar features for creating web shortcuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pin Gmail to the taskbar using a browser other than Chrome?
Yes, browsers like Microsoft Edge also allow you to create shortcuts and pin them to the taskbar.
What happens if I delete the desktop shortcut?
If you delete the desktop shortcut, the taskbar icon will remain functional. However, you won’t be able to easily re-pin it if you unpin it later.
Can I change the Gmail icon on the taskbar?
Yes, you can change the icon by right-clicking the desktop shortcut, selecting “Properties,” and then “Change Icon.”
Will this method work on older versions of Windows?
Yes, the steps are similar for Windows 10. However, the interface might be slightly different.
Can I do this with other websites?
Absolutely! You can create shortcuts and pin any website to your taskbar using this method.
Summary
- Open Google Chrome.
- Go to Gmail.
- Open the Chrome Menu.
- Install Gmail as an App.
- Create the Shortcut.
- Pin to Taskbar.
Conclusion
Pinning Gmail to your taskbar in Windows 11 can save you time and streamline your workflow. No more typing in URLs or navigating through bookmarks—just a single click, and you’re checking your emails. This method also works for other frequently used websites, making it versatile.
If you’re someone who constantly checks their email, pinning Gmail to your taskbar can be a game-changer. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have Gmail at your fingertips. Feel free to explore more features of Windows 11 and Google Chrome to enhance your productivity further.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.