Many users pin their favorite web pages to the taskbar for quick access. However, there are times when you might want to change the URL of a pinned taskbar icon created by Microsoft Edge. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps needed to edit the URL of a pinned taskbar icon effectively.
Understanding the Problem
When you pin a website to your taskbar using Microsoft Edge, it creates a shortcut that points to the original URL. However, if you need to update the URL linked to that shortcut, you might find that the process isn't straightforward. Below is the original code/steps often attempted:
1. Right-click the pinned icon.
2. Select 'Properties.'
3. Try to edit the URL in the 'Target' field.
Unfortunately, this may not always yield results because Edge taskbar shortcuts function differently than traditional desktop shortcuts.
Steps to Edit the URL of a Pinned Edge Icon
Here’s a clearer guide to change the URL of a taskbar icon pinned by Microsoft Edge:
-
Unpin the Existing Icon:
- Right-click on the pinned Microsoft Edge icon in your taskbar.
- Select "Unpin from Taskbar."
-
Create a New Shortcut:
- Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to the website you want to pin.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner (the settings menu).
- Choose "More tools" and then "Pin to taskbar."
- This will create a new taskbar icon linked to the current URL.
-
Edit the URL (if needed):
- If you want to manually create a shortcut to an alternate URL:
- Right-click on your desktop.
- Choose "New" and then "Shortcut."
- In the location field, enter
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft\Edge\Application\msedge.exe" "https://newurl.com", replacinghttps://newurl.comwith the desired URL. - Name the shortcut and click "Finish."
- Now, drag this shortcut to your taskbar to pin it.
- If you want to manually create a shortcut to an alternate URL:
Additional Insights
Editing URLs in pinned taskbar icons for Microsoft Edge might be less intuitive due to how shortcuts are created. When you pin a website, it acts like a web app with specific settings that may not allow direct editing.
To manage your taskbar effectively, it's often better to unpin and repin instead of attempting to edit the properties of existing shortcuts. This method ensures you are always working with the most up-to-date URL.
Practical Example
For instance, suppose you frequently visit a news website, but you need to update the URL to reflect a new landing page. By following the steps outlined:
- Unpin the existing news website from the taskbar.
- Navigate to the updated URL in Edge.
- Pin it anew.
Now you have the latest content quickly accessible without retaining outdated links.
Conclusion
Modifying the URL of a taskbar icon pinned by Microsoft Edge involves unpinning the current shortcut and creating a new one. This process ensures that you maintain quick access to the most relevant pages.
By utilizing the above steps, you can manage your taskbar efficiently, ensuring it reflects your current browsing preferences.
Useful Resources
By following these guidelines, you can easily manage your pinned websites, enhance your productivity, and ensure seamless access to your favorite online content.
