Windows 10 is a powerful operating system that offers a range of features and customization options. One of the helpful features in Windows 10 is the pinned items feature, which allows users to pin their favorite apps, documents, and folders to the taskbar or Start menu for quick and easy access. While Windows 10 allows users to pin a certain number of items by default, some users may find that they need to increase the number of pinned items to accommodate their workflow. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to increase the number of pinned items in Windows 10 and provide helpful tips and insights along the way.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Increasing Pinned Items in Windows 10
When it comes to customizing the taskbar or Start menu in Windows 10, the number of pinned items may be limited by default. This limitation can be frustrating for users who want to have quick access to multiple frequently used apps, documents, or folders. However, with the right methods and tweaks, it is possible to increase the number of pinned items and enhance the usability of Windows 10.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we proceed with the methods to increase the number of pinned items in Windows 10, there are a few things you should prepare for. First, make sure you have administrative privileges on your computer, as some methods may require making changes to system settings. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to create a backup of your important files and settings, just in case anything goes wrong during the process. With these preparations in place, let’s dive into the methods!
Method 1. Increasing Pinned Items through Local Group Policy Editor
Increasing the number of pinned items can be achieved using the Local Group Policy Editor in Windows 10. Here’s how:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "gpedit.msc" and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 3: In the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
Step 4: Double-click on the "Set the number of recent/frequent programs to display in the Start Menu" policy.
Step 5: Select the "Enabled" option and change the number to your desired limit.
Step 6: Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
Step 7: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Pros:
1. Easy to access and use.
2. Provides a centralized way to customize the number of pinned items.
3. Changes apply system-wide.
Cons:
1. Requires administrative privileges.
2. Limited to the recent/frequent programs section.
Method 2. Using Registry Editor
Another method to increase the number of pinned items is by making changes in the Registry Editor. Here’s how:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 3: In the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
Step 4: Right-click on an empty space in the right pane and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 5: Name the new value "MaxPinnedItems" (without quotes).
Step 6: Double-click on the "MaxPinnedItems" value and set it to the desired number of pinned items.
Step 7: Click OK to save the changes.
Step 8: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Pros:
1. Allows for a greater customization range.
2. No need for additional software or tools.
3. Changes apply system-wide.
Cons:
1. Requires modifying critical system settings.
2. Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can cause system instability.
Method 3. Using Third-Party Tools
If you prefer a more user-friendly approach or want additional customization options, there are third-party tools available that can increase the number of pinned items in Windows 10. Here’s an example:
Step 1: Download and install a third-party tool such as "TaskbarX" from a trusted source.
Step 2: Launch the third-party tool and navigate to the settings.
Step 3: Look for an option related to the number of pinned items and adjust it according to your preferences.
Step 4: Apply the changes and exit the third-party tool.
Step 5: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Pros:
1. User-friendly interface.
2. Offers additional customization options.
3. Can be used without administrative privileges.
Cons:
1. Reliance on third-party software.
2. Compatibility issues or potential security risks.
Method 4. Via Third-Party Start Menu Replacement
Another method to increase the number of pinned items is by using a third-party Start menu replacement. These tools often provide enhanced customization options compared to the default Windows 10 Start menu. Here’s an example:
Step 1: Download and install a third-party Start menu replacement tool such as "Classic Shell" from a trusted source.
Step 2: Launch the Start menu replacement tool and navigate to the settings.
Step 3: Look for an option related to the number of pinned items and adjust it according to your preferences.
Step 4: Apply the changes and exit the third-party tool.
Step 5: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Pros:
1. Greater customization options.
2. Often provides additional features to improve productivity.
3. Can be used without administrative privileges.
Cons:
1. Reliance on third-party software.
2. Compatibility issues or potential security risks.
Why Can’t I Increase the Number of Pinned Items in Windows 10?
There might be several reasons why you are unable to increase the number of pinned items in Windows 10. Here are some common reasons and their solutions:
1. The default settings limit the number of pinned items: Windows 10 has a default limit for the number of pinned items to maintain the balance between usability and performance. By using the methods mentioned above, you can override this limitation.
2. Insufficient administrative privileges: Some methods to increase the number of pinned items require administrative privileges. Make sure you have the necessary permissions to modify system settings.
3. Software restrictions or conflicts: Certain software, group policies, or security settings may restrict the number of pinned items. Check your antivirus or security software settings and ensure there are no conflicts with the methods discussed.
Pros:
1. Provides potential solutions to common issues.
2. Enhances troubleshooting capabilities.
3. Improves user experience.
Cons:
1. Requires additional troubleshooting steps.
2. Solutions may vary depending on individual system configurations.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to optimize your experience with pinned items in Windows 10:
1. Organize your pinned items: Keep your pinned items well-organized by grouping them into categories or folders. This will make it easier to find and access the items you need.
2. Utilize jump lists: Take advantage of jump lists, which provide quick access to recent files or common tasks associated with a particular app. Right-click on a pinned item to access its jump list.
3. Customize taskbar settings: Explore the various customization options available in the taskbar settings to further enhance your workflow. You can choose to show or hide labels, adjust the taskbar position, and more.
5 FAQs about Increasing Pinned Items in Windows 10
Q1: Can I increase the number of pinned items beyond a certain limit?
A: While the default methods have limitations, third-party tools or modifications in the Registry Editor can allow you to increase the number of pinned items as per your preference.
Q2: Will increasing the number of pinned items affect the performance of my computer?
A: Increasing the number of pinned items should not significantly impact the performance of your computer. However, having an excessive number of pinned items may occupy more resources, so it’s recommended to maintain a balance.
Q3: Are there any other alternatives to pinning items for quick access?
A: Yes, aside from pinning items to the taskbar or Start menu, you can create desktop shortcuts or use the Quick Access feature in Windows Explorer to have quick access to frequently used files and folders.
Q4: Can I transfer my pinned items to another computer?
A: Yes, you can transfer your pinned items to another computer. The pinned items are stored in specific locations, and you can manually copy the necessary files or use third-party tools to migrate them.
Q5: Will future Windows 10 updates impact the number of pinned items?
A: Windows 10 updates may introduce changes or improvements to the taskbar or Start menu, but it’s unlikely to directly impact the number of pinned items. However, it’s always a good practice to review the settings and customization options after major updates.
In Conclusion
Increasing the number of pinned items in Windows 10 can greatly enhance productivity and convenience. By following the methods discussed in this blog post, you can customize the taskbar or Start menu to accommodate your preferences and optimize your workflow. Whether you choose to make changes through the Local Group Policy Editor, Registry Editor, third-party tools, or Start menu replacements, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons and exercise caution while modifying system settings. With the additional tips and solutions to common issues, you can personalize your Windows 10 experience and make the most of the pinned items feature.