Windows Taskbar can be enhanced with custom widgets and toolbars. Here are some of the best taskbar widgets or toolbars every one should use.
If you are regular to my site, you will know that the Taskbar is one of my favorite things in Windows. In fact, I’ve written several posts on how you can improve the taskbar experience. In this quick article, let me share with you some of the best taskbar widgets or toolbars that every Windows user should have and use. These widgets or toolbars will enhance your taskbar experience and even gives you quick access to various functions.
Best Taskbar Widgets & Toolbars
To make things easier, I divided the toolbar and widgets into their own sections in no specific order. Implement the one you are like.
1. Download and Upload Speed Monitor
This is one of the first things I do after installing Windows. In fact, I even install this application for my friends and family too. If you connect to the internet, having a download and upload speed monitor is pretty handy. Since Windows has no built-in way to show the download and upload speeds, you can use a free tool called NetSpeedMonitor. Just install the software and follow the wizard to add the download and upload speed monitor to the taskbar.
I’ve already written a detailed article on how to show download and upload speed on the taskbar. Follow that if needed.
2. Quick Links Toolbar
Almost every computer user will have a few folders and files that are opened on a daily basis or need quick access to when needed. You can add those kinds of folders and files to the quick access toolbar.
Once you create the toolbar, you will see a little double-arrow icon on the taskbar. Clicking on it will show all your added files and folders. To add the Quick Links toolbar, right-click on the taskbar and select “Toolbars → Links” option. Next, drag and drop your favorite folders and files onto the Links item on the taskbar to add them to the toolbar.
If needed, here’s the step by step guide on how to do it.
3. Show CPU & GPU Temps
If you are into monitoring CPU and GPU temperatures, you can add them directly to the taskbar. Since Windows has no built-in way to add those, we need to use free third-party software and need to go through some hoops. I’ve already written a detailed step-by-step guide on how to do it. Follow it to add CPU and GPU temps to the taskbar.
4. Add Music Controls
Having universal music controls directly on the taskbar allows you to control the playback as and when needed. This eliminates the need to manually open the media application just to play/pause or change track. All you have to do is install the Taskplay application. As soon as you install it, it will add music controls to the taskbar.
5. Pin Folders
Generally, most of us first open the File Explorer and then go to the folder we want. This is good enough for the most part. However, if there is a specific folder that you access frequently, you can pin it directly to the taskbar. The problem is, Windows doesn’t allow you to pin specific folders to the taskbar. The good thing is, you can bypass this limitation with a simple trick. Follow this guide to pin folders to the taskbar.
I hope that helps. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible.
