Introduction
Steam is a great platform for PC gaming. However, when you’re absolutely itching to play a game, having to launch Steam just to launch a game can feel like a lot of clicking. Thankfully, you can pin the Steam games you’re playing most to your Windows taskbar, which will launch both Steam and the game, moving things along a little bit faster.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Pin Steam Games to Taskbar in Windows 10
- Launch “File Explorer” on your Windows PC, and then navigate to your Steam application folder. By default, this will be at the following location: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam
- Click to open the “steamapps” folder, and then click to open the “common” folder. You’ll see a list of all of your Steam games that are installed on your computer.
- Open the folder for the Steam game you want to pin a shortcut link to your Windows 10 taskbar for, and then locate the executable file that launches that game. This file will have an EXE file extension.
If you don’t see the file extensions, you can enable them by choosing “View” along the top of the screen, and then placing a check mark in the box next to “File Name Extensions” in the Show/Hide section.
- Right-click the executable file after you find it to display a menu, and then click “Pin to Taskbar” in that menu.
- The shortcut icon for that game will now appear on your Windows taskbar. Going forward, when you click your Steam game shortcut on your Windows taskbar, Steam will load and your game will launch.
Reasons to Pin Steam Games to the Taskbar in Windows 10
1. Easy Access
A gamer’s desire for seamless play is often paramount. When a game is pinned to the taskbar, it’s readily accessible. This setup facilitates immediate game launch, bypassing the need to navigate the Steam client. There’s a sense of satisfaction in diving straight into gameplay. The simplicity provided by this convenience is significant, particularly for those who frequently enjoy their favorite games.
2. Organization
Taskbar pinning facilitates efficient organization. For an individual who owns numerous games, the taskbar acts as a handy tool for categorizing their preferred ones. By neatly arraying them on the taskbar, the user creates an orderly hub for their most played titles. Such organized display of games avoids confusion and saves valuable gaming time. A well-curated taskbar can be the epitome of gaming orderliness.
3. Reducing Desktop Clutter
Clutter on a computer desktop is a frequent issue. It’s easy to let game icons scatter across the screen, creating visual chaos. Pinning Steam games to the taskbar presents a solution, relegating game access to a single, less intrusive area. With this, the desktop remains clean and visually pleasing, enhancing the overall user experience. It’s a simple strategy for maintaining an orderly digital space.
4. Faster Startup Time
In certain circumstances, pinned games may launch faster. Depending on the computer’s specifications and system load, taskbar shortcuts might provide quicker access. Opening a game directly from the taskbar could save a few valuable seconds compared to the Steam client route. Even a slight reduction in startup time can significantly enhance gaming enjoyment, letting players immerse in their chosen virtual worlds faster.
5. Multitasking
Frequent multitaskers benefit from taskbar pinning. Whether it’s quick chats with friends, web browsing, or managing a live stream, multitasking demands smooth transitioning between applications. Having a Steam game pinned on the taskbar allows swift toggling, reducing the hassle of searching for the game window amidst other applications. It’s a modern solution for gamers who juggle various tasks while enjoying their favorite titles.
6. Aesthetic Reasons
The aesthetics of a personalized workspace contribute to user satisfaction. Some individuals appreciate having their favorite game icons visible on their taskbar. Not only does this present a neat array of their beloved games, but it also provides a sense of personal flair. Every glance at the taskbar then reflects the user’s unique gaming preferences, making the workspace truly theirs.
