To pin Google Chrome to the taskbar in Windows 10, open Chrome, right-click its icon on the taskbar, and choose Pin to taskbar. The icon stays there after you close Chrome, so you can open it with one click. You can also pin it from the Start menu without opening it, pin individual websites as their own icons, and give each Chrome profile its own taskbar button.
Method 1: Pin Chrome while it’s open
- Open Google Chrome.
- Right-click the Chrome icon on the taskbar.
- Click Pin to taskbar.
Drag the icon left or right to put it where you want among your other pinned apps.
- Click Start and type
Chrome. - Right-click Google Chrome in the results.
- Click Pin to taskbar.
You can also find Chrome in the Start menu’s app list under G, right-click it, and choose More > Pin to taskbar. Dragging it from the Start menu onto the taskbar works too.
Method 3: Pin a website as its own icon
To open Gmail, Google Docs or any other site straight from the taskbar:
- Open the site in Chrome.
- Click the three-dot menu, then Cast, save, and share > Create shortcut. In older versions it’s under More tools > Create shortcut.
- Name the shortcut and tick Open as window if you want it to open without tabs and the address bar.
- Click Create. A shortcut appears on the desktop and the site opens.
- Right-click the site’s icon on the taskbar and choose Pin to taskbar.
Some sites offer an Install icon in the address bar instead, which does the same thing as a proper app.
Give each Chrome profile its own taskbar icon
If you use separate Chrome profiles for work and personal browsing, pin each one:
- Open Chrome with the profile you want.
- Go to the three-dot menu > Settings > You and Google > Customize your Chrome profile.
- Turn on Create desktop shortcut.
- Right-click the new desktop shortcut and choose Pin to taskbar.
Each pinned icon shows the profile’s picture, so you can tell them apart.
Unpin or move Chrome
- Unpin: right-click the icon and choose Unpin from taskbar. Chrome stays installed.
- Reorder: drag the icon along the taskbar.
- Open with a shortcut key: pinned apps open with Windows key + number, counting from the left. If Chrome is third, press Windows key + 3.
To change where the taskbar sits, see how to move the taskbar in Windows 10. To hide it when not in use, see how to hide the taskbar.
Troubleshooting
Pin to taskbar is missing
Your PC may be in Tablet mode (turn it off in the Action Center), or your organization may lock the taskbar. Signing out and back in sometimes restores the option.
The pinned icon is blank or shows a white page
The icon cache needs refreshing. Unpin Chrome, restart the PC, and pin it again. If that doesn’t help, reinstall Chrome from Google’s website, which keeps your synced data.
Clicking the icon opens a second Chrome icon
The pin points to an old shortcut, often after an update or reinstall. Unpin it, open Chrome, and pin the running icon again (Method 1).
Frequently asked questions
How do I do this on Windows 11?
The steps are almost the same. See how to pin Chrome to the taskbar in Windows 11 and how to pin Google to the taskbar in Windows 11.
Can I put Chrome on the desktop as well?
Yes. See how to create a desktop shortcut in Windows 10.
Summary
- Open Chrome, right-click its taskbar icon, Pin to taskbar.
- Or search Chrome in Start, right-click, Pin to taskbar.
- Pin websites with Create shortcut, then pin the window.
- Pin each profile from its desktop shortcut.
Related: put apps on the home screen in Windows 10.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.