Enable "Pin to Start Menu" for Folders in Windows Vista / XP
The Start menu in Windows Vista and XP allows you to "Pin" items to the top for quicker access to your favorite applications. The problem is that you can't pin folders to the start menu, even though that would be very useful.
There's a registry hack that you can do to add this capability for folders as well… it's not new, but still very useful.
Manual Registry Hack
To manually set up this context menu item, we'll need to add an item to the right-click context menu. Open up regedit.exe through the start menu search box, and then browse down to the following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\
Once there, you'll need to create a new key called {a2a9545d-a0c2-42b4-9708-a0b2badd77c8} with no value.
That should be the only thing you need to do. If you want to disable this, just delete the key.
Downloadable Registry Hack
You can choose to just download and use the registry hack files I've provided at the bottom of this article. Once you unzip the file, you should see two registry files:
- EnablePinToStart.reg - Enable the menu
- DisablePinToStart.reg - Disable the menu (deletes the key)
Using Pin to Start Menu
Find the folder you want to pin to your start menu, hold down the Shift key, and then right-click on the folder. You'll notice the new item for Pin to Start Menu.
Now your folder should be pinned to the start menu…
I've found this to be very useful if you want to use the start menu for quick access to folders.
Note: This tip will not work if you are using the classic start menu.
This did not work in XP …works perfect in vista ultimate.
Eric,
I just tested this on XP and it does work, but not if you are using the classic start menu.
Coolness ! Works great on my XP…thanks
Great Hack!!!
Why does MS not think of tis?
Thanks for the tip. Is it possible to make this folder acts like a menu? (like Control Panel and such)
What I always did which works just fine is:
Create a shortcut (in My Documents, in the root of C: or in the folder itself) to the folder which I want in the Start Menu and then just simply drag-n-drop it to the Start Menu.
Or in a more backwards way;
Copy and paste an existing shortcut on your desktop, then right click on the new shortcut and click 'Pin to Start Menu'. then all you have to do is change the target by right clicking on the shortcut >> Properties and fill in the location of the folder you want to be pined in the Start Menu in the Target box and click 'Apply'.
Remember to keep the shortcut you've created in desired location and when you rename it as you desire the icon will change to the default folder icon.
This tip did not work for me in Windows XP SP2. I followed Nshmidt's advice and got a shortcut to my folder pinned.
In Vista there is a much easier way. Put the folder shortcut on the desktop, Drag it to the Start button and then drag it into the left pane of the Start box ( above the line of Temporary/Permanent). Voila, done.
whs,
Umm… isn't that exactly what Nshmidt commented/suggested 2 comments up!?
what I understood form him quite clearly, is his tip works in any version of Windows be it XP, Vista or older!!
Wayne, I guess you are right. Did not see that.
Not sure if this is the reason why some people are failing, but this only worked for me when the file was stored locally on the PC. Pinning a file to the start menu when it was stored on a network share doesn't work. (for me atleast).
HTH.
I 2nd this notion
Thanks for the tip. Is it possible to make this folder acts like a menu? (like Control Panel and such)
This is nice for a couple of folders. But if you want to have a lot of folder shortcuts handy, it will quickly bloat the Start Window beyond recognition. Especially if you want to have a lot of system folders like MAIL, COOKIES or whatever handy. In this case I suggest to use the LINK in the toolbar to park the shortcuts. Real handy!
I'm wondering if anyone knows how to back up and restore your Start Menu pinnings? This would be for the purpose of moving from an old computer to a new one, and not having to re-pin all your items. I'm sure if you run the Files & Settings Transfer Wizard or USMT it will do this, but I want to know exactly where (in the registry I assume?) these settings are stored so I can chose to save them individually if I want to.
Does anyone know how to add folders to teh window that pops up when you need to choose a file to attach to an e-mail or the open file window? I have a folder that I use all the time and it would make it a lot easier if it were listed to the left with "my computer"…ect. If you know how please e-mail me at jcarey@geoshack.com
hey,
I just found this out. Folders, files, whatever you want to appear on the start menu, drag it there.
1. Drag the folder to the start button, don't release the mouse
2. Wait until the start menu appears
3. Place the folder where you want it to be