Customizing the Windows 8 Superbar: A Step-by-Step Guide

7 Tips to Master the Windows 8 Superbar

1. Pin frequently used apps

   • Right-click an app in the Start screen or on the desktop and choose “Pin to taskbar” to keep it accessible on the Superbar.

2. Use Jump Lists for quick actions

   • Right-click a taskbar icon (or middle-click) to open its Jump List — access recent files, common tasks, or app-specific shortcuts without opening the app.

3. Enable small taskbar buttons

   • Right-click the Superbar → Properties → check “Use small taskbar buttons” to save space and fit more icons.

4. Combine or never combine taskbar buttons

   • In Properties → Taskbar, choose “Combine when taskbar is full,” “Always combine, hide labels,” or “Never combine” depending on whether you prefer compact icons or visible window labels.

5. Use Aero Peek and thumbnail previews

   • Hover over an app icon with multiple windows to see thumbnails; hover over a thumbnail to preview that window. Click to switch to it quickly.

6. Rearrange and group icons

   • Drag icons left or right to reorder. Open windows for the same app group under one icon (grouping can be changed in taskbar settings).

7. Pin websites and pages

   • In Internet Explorer, drag a tab to the Superbar to pin a website as a shortcut; right-click the pinned site for site-specific Jump List tasks.

Bonus tip: Hold Shift and right-click a taskbar icon to access extra options like “Run as administrator” or “Properties.”