How to Organize Your Programs in the Windows 7 Taskbar

Would you like to keep your programs neat and orderly in your Windows 7 taskbar?

Lets look at an easy way to make your taskbar simpler and more aesthetic all at the same time.

The Windows 7 taskbar makes it easy to have quick access to your favorite programs.

First youll need a folder to keep your shortcuts and applications that you wont delete.

Now, in the folder, create a new text document or other file.

You could create any new file here, other than a folder or shortcut.

Change the name of the file to something unique, and then change the file extension to .exe.

Windows will warn you not to change the file extension, but its fine for this use.

Click Yes to apply the changes.

If you dont see the file extension listed, you may have your extensions hidden by default.

To make them visible, click Organize on the top of the Explorer window, and select Properties.

choose the View tab, and uncheck the box beside Hide extensions for known file types.

Now click Ok to save the changes, and then change your files extension as before.

Instead, were going to create a shortcut to this app with a transparent icon.

So, right-punch your new software, and select Create Shortcut.

Then, to change the shortcuts icon, right-choose the shortcut and select Properties.

opt for Shortcut tab, and click Change Icon.

Click Ok to save the changes.

Once youre done, drag the new shortcut to your taskbar.

Youll notice a new transparent gap between your applications.

Now repeat the steps to make extra fake applications and transparent shortcuts.

you’re able to make as many as it’s crucial that you group your programs.

Heres our full taskbar, with several groups of our most-used applications.

Now its always easy to grab the program you want with one click!

Alternately, you could make your taskbar thicker to show more icons.

To do this, right-choose the taskbar and un-check Lock Taskbar.

Now drag the top of the taskbar up to make it taller.

Now even users with dozens of favorite apps should find a place for them all.

You could even give your app groups names.

This might be helpful if youre setting up a computer for someone that has trouble recognizing icons.

Do note of course that these shortcuts are actually links to a program thats not a real program.

If you accidently press one, youll be informed that its not a valid program.

Windows will then ask if you want to remove the shortcut.

Select No to leave it as before.

Weve found this little trick to be a nice and convenient way to keep our applications in order.