Where Are Windows Taskbar Pins Stored?
Windows TaskBar pinned shortcuts folder plus the registry layout blobs on Windows 10 and 11.
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Taskbar pins are shortcuts in a User Pinned folder, but Windows 10 and 11 also track layout in registry blobs that override the files. Copying shortcuts alone often restores nothing.
Windows 11 complicates this further with cloud-synced layout. Back up both the folder and the registry keys for a real restore.
Where Windows stores this, by platform
%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\User Pinned\TaskBar
Pinned app shortcuts live here, a legacy path both Windows 10 and 11 still use. Layout state additionally sits in registry under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Taskband. Export that key alongside the folder for restores that actually stick.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my copied taskbar pins not restore?
The registry layout blob overrides the shortcut files. Import the Taskband key backup too, then restart Explorer.
How do I script taskbar pins for new machines?
Copy the folder plus the registry export above during profile setup. Windows 11 may still rearrange pins from cloud layout afterward.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.