all icons taskbalk

[Pcgamer27]

Hello, I have a question: is there a script to put all icons on the taskbar?

 

[ChatGPT]

There isn’t a native Windows script or setting to “put all icons on the taskbar” (i.e., pin every application or shortcut automatically) in one click. Windows only allows pinning apps to the taskbar on a per-app basis, and there’s no Group Policy or registry method to bulk pin all apps.
However, you have some automation options:

PowerShell/Batch Script for Mass Pinning​

For Windows 10/11 – PowerShell Pinning (Manual, needs user context)​

You can use the following approach with PowerShell for standard apps (not Store apps):

1. Place all your shortcuts in a folder, for example: C:\TaskbarShortcuts.
2. Use a script like this (requires PinToTaskbar.exe or similar helper):
   

   $shortcutPath = "C:\TaskbarShortcuts"
   Get-ChildItem "$shortcutPath\*.lnk" | ForEach-Object {
     Start-Process "PinToTaskbar.exe" -ArgumentList "`"$_`""
   }

   • PinToTaskbar.exe is an open-source utility that can pin/unpin shortcuts programmatically.

For Custom/Unattended Deployments​

• Place the script in FirstLogonCommands or run it as a scheduled task for each user.
• You must run the pinning in the actual user context—not SYSTEM—so using a logon script or scheduled task with user rights is necessary.

---

Alternative: Use Quick Launch Toolbar​

You can mimic "all apps visible" by adding a folder with all your shortcuts as a Quick Launch or custom toolbar on your taskbar:

1. Create a folder (e.g., C:\MyToolbar).
2. Place all shortcuts you want in that folder.
3. Right-click the taskbar → Toolbars → New toolbar → Select your folder.

This doesn’t "pin" apps in the strict sense but gives one-click access to all those shortcuts—works on all Windows versions.

---

Limitations​

• Windows intentionally restricts mass taskbar pinning for stability/security reasons.
• Manual or scripted pinning (as above) is possible, but you can’t pin every installed app in a single universal step—especially for UWP apps.

---

Summary:
You can't natively "put all icons on the taskbar," but you can use a script with PinToTaskbar.exe or create a Quick Launch/custom toolbar with all your favorites. For a fully automated, repeatable deployment, these PowerShell or toolbar methods are the best workaround.
Let me know if you want a sample package-ready script or more details on automating pinning via PinToTaskbar.exe!

 

[Pcgamer27]

There isn’t a native Windows script or setting to “put all icons on the taskbar” (i.e., pin every application or shortcut automatically) in one click. Windows only allows pinning apps to the taskbar on a per-app basis, and there’s no Group Policy or registry method to bulk pin all apps.
However, you have some automation options:

PowerShell/Batch Script for Mass Pinning​

For Windows 10/11 – PowerShell Pinning (Manual, needs user context)​

You can use the following approach with PowerShell for standard apps (not Store apps):

1. Place all your shortcuts in a folder, for example: C:\TaskbarShortcuts.
2. Use a script like this (requires PinToTaskbar.exe or similar helper):
   

   $shortcutPath = "C:\TaskbarShortcuts"
   Get-ChildItem "$shortcutPath\*.lnk" | ForEach-Object {
     Start-Process "PinToTaskbar.exe" -ArgumentList "`"$_`""
   }

   • PinToTaskbar.exe is an open-source utility that can pin/unpin shortcuts programmatically.

For Custom/Unattended Deployments​

• Place the script in FirstLogonCommands or run it as a scheduled task for each user.
• You must run the pinning in the actual user context—not SYSTEM—so using a logon script or scheduled task with user rights is necessary.

---

Alternative: Use Quick Launch Toolbar​

You can mimic "all apps visible" by adding a folder with all your shortcuts as a Quick Launch or custom toolbar on your taskbar:

1. Create a folder (e.g., C:\MyToolbar).
2. Place all shortcuts you want in that folder.
3. Right-click the taskbar → Toolbars → New toolbar → Select your folder.

This doesn’t "pin" apps in the strict sense but gives one-click access to all those shortcuts—works on all Windows versions.

---

Limitations​

• Windows intentionally restricts mass taskbar pinning for stability/security reasons.
• Manual or scripted pinning (as above) is possible, but you can’t pin every installed app in a single universal step—especially for UWP apps.

---

Summary:
You can't natively "put all icons on the taskbar," but you can use a script with PinToTaskbar.exe or create a Quick Launch/custom toolbar with all your favorites. For a fully automated, repeatable deployment, these PowerShell or toolbar methods are the best workaround.
Let me know if you want a sample package-ready script or more details on automating pinning via PinToTaskbar.exe!

to put in the answer file

 

[ChatGPT]

To automate taskbar icon pinning in an autounattend.xml answer file, you can’t natively do it purely with Microsoft unattended settings—there’s no built-in Unattend directive or registry tweak for this purpose. But you can invoke external scripts or utilities during Windows setup via the answer file.

How to Integrate Taskbar Pinning in Autounattend​

Recommended Approach:

• Bundle your shortcuts and PinToTaskbar.exe with your deployment media (for example, in C:\SetupFiles).
• Use a FirstLogonCommand or a SetupComplete.cmd to execute your pinning script.

Example: FirstLogonCommands Block​

Here’s how to run the PowerShell script that pins all shortcuts in a folder to the taskbar:

<FirstLogonCommands>
  <SynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
    <Order>1</Order>
    <Description>Pin all shortcuts to Taskbar</Description>
    <CommandLine>powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\SetupFiles\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1</CommandLine>
  </SynchronousCommand>
</FirstLogonCommands>

• PinAllToTaskbar.ps1 should contain:
  

  $shortcutPath = "C:\SetupFiles\TaskbarShortcuts"
  Get-ChildItem "$shortcutPath\*.lnk" | ForEach-Object {
  Start-Process "C:\SetupFiles\PinToTaskbar.exe" -ArgumentList "`"$_`""
  }

You must:

• Make sure C:\SetupFiles\PinToTaskbar.exe and all the .lnk files for the shortcuts you want are present in your deployment.
• This runs in the user context, not SYSTEM, which is needed for pinning.

Notes:​

• This process only works for classic apps (not most UWP/Store apps).
• If you want to pin specific default apps, create shortcuts (.lnk files) to them first.
• If you need the script for SetupComplete.cmd, the process is the same, but again, SYSTEM context may not pin to the user's taskbar.

---

Summary:

• You cannot pin all icons with a built-in unattend.xml element, but you can call a PowerShell script (+PinToTaskbar.exe) via <FirstLogonCommands> or a similar mechanism in your answer file.
• Prepare the deployment folder (C:\SetupFiles) and reference your script with all dependencies from the answer file.
• This is currently the only reliable automated way to pin multiple shortcuts for each user profile.

Let me know if you want a step-by-step for packing and referencing these into a Windows deployment share or WIM!

 

[Pcgamer27]

To automate taskbar icon pinning in an autounattend.xml answer file, you can’t natively do it purely with Microsoft unattended settings—there’s no built-in Unattend directive or registry tweak for this purpose. But you can invoke external scripts or utilities during Windows setup via the answer file.

How to Integrate Taskbar Pinning in Autounattend​

Recommended Approach:

1. Bundle your shortcuts and PinToTaskbar.exe with your deployment media (for example, in C:\SetupFiles).
2. Use a FirstLogonCommand or a SetupComplete.cmd to execute your pinning script.

Example: FirstLogonCommands Block​

Here’s how to run the PowerShell script that pins all shortcuts in a folder to the taskbar:

<FirstLogonCommands>
  <SynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
    <Order>1</Order>
    <Description>Pin all shortcuts to Taskbar</Description>
    <CommandLine>powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\SetupFiles\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1</CommandLine>
  </SynchronousCommand>
</FirstLogonCommands>

• PinAllToTaskbar.ps1 should contain:
  

  $shortcutPath = "C:\SetupFiles\TaskbarShortcuts"
  Get-ChildItem "$shortcutPath\*.lnk" | ForEach-Object {
  Start-Process "C:\SetupFiles\PinToTaskbar.exe" -ArgumentList "`"$_`""
  }

You must:

• Make sure C:\SetupFiles\PinToTaskbar.exe and all the .lnk files for the shortcuts you want are present in your deployment.
• This runs in the user context, not SYSTEM, which is needed for pinning.

Notes:​

• This process only works for classic apps (not most UWP/Store apps).
• If you want to pin specific default apps, create shortcuts (.lnk files) to them first.
• If you need the script for SetupComplete.cmd, the process is the same, but again, SYSTEM context may not pin to the user's taskbar.

---

Summary:

• You cannot pin all icons with a built-in unattend.xml element, but you can call a PowerShell script (+PinToTaskbar.exe) via <FirstLogonCommands> or a similar mechanism in your answer file.
• Prepare the deployment folder (C:\SetupFiles) and reference your script with all dependencies from the answer file.
• This is currently the only reliable automated way to pin multiple shortcuts for each user profile.

Let me know if you want a step-by-step for packing and referencing these into a Windows deployment share or WIM!

is there another way where can i put this

 

[ChatGPT]

If you want to automate taskbar pinning during Windows deployment, but do NOT want to use <FirstLogonCommands>, you have a few options, each with its trade-offs:

---

1. SetupComplete.cmd (Post OOBE/Install Script)​

• Path: C:\Windows\Setup\Scripts\SetupComplete.cmd
• Pros: Runs as SYSTEM after Windows install, before the first user logon.
• Cons: Taskbar pinning affects only the SYSTEM context, not the actual user. Usually, user context is needed for pinning to the correct user's taskbar.

Note: Pinning from SetupComplete.cmd typically does NOT work for regular users’ taskbars unless all provisioning is set for Default User, and some actions may be ignored due to Winlogon protections.

---

2. Active Setup in Registry​

This method runs a command for every user at first login:

• Registry Path:
  HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\{Custom-GUID}
• Command: Points to your script (batch or PowerShell) along with PinToTaskbar.exe.

Sample:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\TaskbarPin]
"StubPath"="powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\\SetupFiles\\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1"

• This will run your script at the first logon for every profile. This is an excellent way to ensure action is performed in the correct user context.

---

3. User Logon Script (via Group Policy or Local Policy)​

• Assign the pinning script as a user logon script via Group Policy (gpedit.msc > User Configuration > Windows Settings > Scripts > Logon).
• Or use the local equivalent if you’re not in a domain.

---

4. Default User Profile Modification (for new users only)​

• Pre-create taskbar pins by dropping .lnk files into the Default User or default taskbar locations in your WIM/capture. Not all types of pins can be pre-configured this way (especially UWP apps), but for legacy shortcuts it may work.

---

Summary Table​

Method	Pros	Cons	Context
FirstLogonCommands	Easy, runs at first login	Needs correct file paths/user context	User profile
SetupComplete.cmd	System-wide, auto after OOBE	May not pin per-user; SYSTEM context only	SYSTEM
Active Setup	Runs once per user at their first logon	Slight registry setup required, more robust	Per-user, correct context
User Logon Script	Works for all logins	Requires GPO/local policy config	Per-user

---

Recommendation:
If you want true per-user taskbar pinning in an unattended deployment, use the Active Setup registry method. This ensures the script runs in the user's context on first logon. You'd still place your shortcut folder and PinToTaskbar.exe in an accessible location (like C:\SetupFiles). The PinAllToTaskbar.ps1 should reference those paths.
If you want a detailed, copy-paste-ready walkthrough for Active Setup or a sample registry import, let me know!

 

[Pcgamer27]

If you want to automate taskbar pinning during Windows deployment, but do NOT want to use <FirstLogonCommands>, you have a few options, each with its trade-offs:

---

1. SetupComplete.cmd (Post OOBE/Install Script)​

• Path: C:\Windows\Setup\Scripts\SetupComplete.cmd
• Pros: Runs as SYSTEM after Windows install, before the first user logon.
• Cons: Taskbar pinning affects only the SYSTEM context, not the actual user. Usually, user context is needed for pinning to the correct user's taskbar.

Note: Pinning from SetupComplete.cmd typically does NOT work for regular users’ taskbars unless all provisioning is set for Default User, and some actions may be ignored due to Winlogon protections.

---

2. Active Setup in Registry​

This method runs a command for every user at first login:

• Registry Path:
  HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\{Custom-GUID}
• Command: Points to your script (batch or PowerShell) along with PinToTaskbar.exe.

Sample:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\TaskbarPin]
"StubPath"="powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\\SetupFiles\\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1"

• This will run your script at the first logon for every profile. This is an excellent way to ensure action is performed in the correct user context.

---

3. User Logon Script (via Group Policy or Local Policy)​

• Assign the pinning script as a user logon script via Group Policy (gpedit.msc > User Configuration > Windows Settings > Scripts > Logon).
• Or use the local equivalent if you’re not in a domain.

---

4. Default User Profile Modification (for new users only)​

• Pre-create taskbar pins by dropping .lnk files into the Default User or default taskbar locations in your WIM/capture. Not all types of pins can be pre-configured this way (especially UWP apps), but for legacy shortcuts it may work.

---

Summary Table​

Method	Pros	Cons	Context
FirstLogonCommands	Easy, runs at first login	Needs correct file paths/user context	User profile
SetupComplete.cmd	System-wide, auto after OOBE	May not pin per-user; SYSTEM context only	SYSTEM
Active Setup	Runs once per user at their first logon	Slight registry setup required, more robust	Per-user, correct context
User Logon Script	Works for all logins	Requires GPO/local policy config	Per-user

---

Recommendation:
If you want true per-user taskbar pinning in an unattended deployment, use the Active Setup registry method. This ensures the script runs in the user's context on first logon. You'd still place your shortcut folder and PinToTaskbar.exe in an accessible location (like C:\SetupFiles). The PinAllToTaskbar.ps1 should reference those paths.
If you want a detailed, copy-paste-ready walkthrough for Active Setup or a sample registry import, let me know!

not working

 

[ChatGPT]

If the Active Setup method for auto-pinning taskbar icons isn't working, here are some possible reasons and targeted troubleshooting steps:

---

1. Active Setup Key Not Processed​

• The Active Setup registry method should run the specified command at a new user's first login. If it's not working:
  • Make sure your registry entry is under:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\TaskbarPin
  • Make sure there are no typos in the path, and your StubPath actually points to a valid script or executable.

---

2. Script or Utility Fails​

• The PS1 script and PinToTaskbar.exe must exist in the specified location before the user first logs in.
• If PinAllToTaskbar.ps1 or PinToTaskbar.exe is missing or misnamed, nothing will happen.
• Scripts requiring elevation or GUI interaction can silently fail on first logon.

Test script manually after first login. If it works, the problem is with Active Setup or file location/timing.

---

3. PowerShell Execution Policy​

• The default policy may block PowerShell scripts. Use -ExecutionPolicy Bypass (as in the example), and verify group policy isn’t enforcing more restrictions.

---

4. File Paths and Permissions​

• Use full, double-escaped Windows-style paths:
  "powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\\SetupFiles\\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1"
• The folder and scripts should be accessible to all users (not in a user-specific directory).

---

5. Logging for Debugging​

Add logging to your script so you know what is (or isn’t) running. You can add this to the start of your PowerShell script:

Start-Transcript C:\PinLog.txt
# ...rest of script
Stop-Transcript

Check C:\PinLog.txt after first login.

---

6. Alternate: Scheduled Task for All Users​

If Active Setup is still problematic:

• Create a scheduled task that runs your script at logon for all users (using schtasks /create /ru "INTERACTIVE").

---

7. Test Manually​

• Manually log in as a new user after registry and file deployment, run:
  powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\SetupFiles\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1
• If errors appear, fix those, then re-try automated deployment.

---

Direct help​

If you want, upload or paste your actual scripts, registry file, and script folder structure. I can review for path/timing/errors.

---

In summary:

• Double-check paths, permissions, PowerShell policy, script content, and use logging/transcript to debug.
• The Active Setup method works, but requires careful attention to details—missing scripts or incorrect paths are the #1 problem.

If you want a step-by-step tested example including a full registry export, sample script, and sample shortcuts/PinToTaskbar placement, let me know! Paste your precise script content and I can help fix it.

 

[Pcgamer27]

If the Active Setup method for auto-pinning taskbar icons isn't working, here are some possible reasons and targeted troubleshooting steps:

---

1.​

• Active Setup Key Not Processed​

• The Active Setup registry method should run the specified command at a new user's first login. If it's not working:
  • Make sure your registry entry is under:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\TaskbarPin
  • Make sure there are no typos in the path, and your StubPath actually points to a valid script or executable.

---

2. Script or Utility Fails​

• The PS1 script and PinToTaskbar.exe must exist in the specified location before the user first logs in.
• If PinAllToTaskbar.ps1 or PinToTaskbar.exe is missing or misnamed, nothing will happen.
• Scripts requiring elevation or GUI interaction can silently fail on first logon.

Test script manually after first login. If it works, the problem is with Active Setup or file location/timing.

---

3. PowerShell Execution Policy​

• The default policy may block PowerShell scripts. Use -ExecutionPolicy Bypass (as in the example), and verify group policy isn’t enforcing more restrictions.

---

4. File Paths and Permissions​

• Use full, double-escaped Windows-style paths:
  "powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\\SetupFiles\\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1"
• The folder and scripts should be accessible to all users (not in a user-specific directory).

---

5. Logging for Debugging​

Add logging to your script so you know what is (or isn’t) running. You can add this to the start of your PowerShell script:

Start-Transcript C:\PinLog.txt
# ...rest of script
Stop-Transcript

Check C:\PinLog.txt after first login.

---

6. Alternate: Scheduled Task for All Users​

If Active Setup is still problematic:

• Create a scheduled task that runs your script at logon for all users (using schtasks /create /ru "INTERACTIVE").

---

7. Test Manually​

• Manually log in as a new user after registry and file deployment, run:
  powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\SetupFiles\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1
• If errors appear, fix those, then re-try automated deployment.

---

Direct help​

If you want, upload or paste your actual scripts, registry file, and script folder structure. I can review for path/timing/errors.

---

In summary:

• Double-check paths, permissions, PowerShell policy, script content, and use logging/transcript to debug.
• The Active Setup method works, but requires careful attention to details—missing scripts or incorrect paths are the #1 problem.

If you want a step-by-step tested example including a full registry export, sample script, and sample shortcuts/PinToTaskbar placement, let me know! Paste your precise script content and I can help fix it.

not working windows 11 version active setup key registry

 

[ChatGPT]

The Active Setup registry method is known to be inconsistent or entirely broken in recent versions of Windows 11 (especially 22H2 and later). Many IT pros and community testers report that scripts registered via Active Setup do not always run reliably at first user logon on modern builds. Microsoft has deprecated or changed the processing logic for this feature in Win11, often as a side effect of “app execution alias” and modern user profile changes .
In summary:

• Active Setup is not reliable on Windows 11 (23H2 and later), particularly for user scripts like taskbar pin automation.
• Even when set up correctly in HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components, your script may simply not execute—without any error message or log.

Workarounds​

1. Scheduled Task at User Logon (Recommended)​

Create a scheduled task (in your deployment or unattend process) to run your pinning script at every user logon:
schtasks /Create /RU "INTERACTIVE" /SC ONLOGON /TN "PinAllToTaskbar" /TR "powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\SetupFiles\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1"

• This is robust, supported, and works on all modern Windows 11 versions.

2. User Logon Script via GPO or Local Group Policy​

If you’re not in a domain, use Local Group Policy (gpedit.msc):

• User Configuration > Windows Settings > Scripts (Logon): Add your PowerShell or batch script here.

3. Manual/Custom Toolbar as a Last Resort​

If you just want “quick access” (not true pinning), script the creation of a Quick Launch or Custom Toolbar with all your shortcuts.

---

Summary Table:

Method	Works Win 11 23H2+?	User Context	Notes
Active Setup	No/Unreliable	Per User	Deprecated in Win11
Scheduled Task (Logon)	Yes	Per User	Robust, recommend
User Logon Script (GPO)	Yes	Per User	Via GPO or gpedit
Default User Mod (offline)	Limited	New Users	Only for Default Profile

---

Recommendation:
Use the Scheduled Task method (schtasks /Create ...) for all new deployments on Windows 11. This guarantees your script will run at each user’s first login, is easily tracked, and does not rely on deprecated Active Setup mechanisms.
If you want a ready-to-import XML or detailed walkthrough for this scheduled task approach, let me know!

 

[Pcgamer27]

The Active Setup registry method is known to be inconsistent or entirely broken in recent versions of Windows 11 (especially 22H2 and later). Many IT pros and community testers report that scripts registered via Active Setup do not always run reliably at first user logon on modern builds. Microsoft has deprecated or changed the processing logic for this feature in Win11, often as a side effect of “app execution alias” and modern user profile changes .
In summary:

• Active Setup is not reliable on Windows 11 (23H2 and later), particularly for user scripts like taskbar pin automation.
• Even when set up correctly in HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components, your script may simply not execute—without any error message or log.

Workarounds​

1. Scheduled Task at User Logon (Recommended)​

Create a scheduled task (in your deployment or unattend process) to run your pinning script at every user logon:
schtasks /Create /RU "INTERACTIVE" /SC ONLOGON /TN "PinAllToTaskbar" /TR "powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\SetupFiles\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1"

• This is robust, supported, and works on all modern Windows 11 versions.

2. User Logon Script via GPO or Local Group Policy​

If you’re not in a domain, use Local Group Policy (gpedit.msc):

• User Configuration > Windows Settings > Scripts (Logon): Add your PowerShell or batch script here.

3. Manual/Custom Toolbar as a Last Resort​

If you just want “quick access” (not true pinning), script the creation of a Quick Launch or Custom Toolbar with all your shortcuts.

---

Summary Table:

Method	Works Win 11 23H2+?	User Context	Notes
Active Setup	No/Unreliable	Per User	Deprecated in Win11
Scheduled Task (Logon)	Yes	Per User	Robust, recommend
User Logon Script (GPO)	Yes	Per User	Via GPO or gpedit
Default User Mod (offline)	Limited	New Users	Only for Default Profile

---

Recommendation:
Use the Scheduled Task method (schtasks /Create ...) for all new deployments on Windows 11. This guarantees your script will run at each user’s first login, is easily tracked, and does not rely on deprecated Active Setup mechanisms.
If you want a ready-to-import XML or detailed walkthrough for this scheduled task approach, let me know!

it doesn't work I work with Windows 11 21H2 and 22H2

 

[ChatGPT]

Thank you for specifying you’re working with Windows 11 21H2 and 22H2. Let’s clarify a few things to make “pinning icons to the taskbar via script” as reliable and automated as possible:

---

Scheduled Task Method: Why It Might Fail​

Even with a scheduled task, most PowerShell scripts or helper programs (like PinToTaskbar.exe) that pin to the taskbar must run in the interactive context after the user profile and Explorer shell are fully loaded. Potential reasons your setup doesn't work:

• The script or .exe is run before Explorer starts.
• PinToTaskbar.exe or your script isn’t present in the referenced path (C:\SetupFiles).
• The script is not running in the user’s interactive desktop context (still in SYSTEM).
• Windows 11 taskbar pinning API/behavior changed and some previous utilities are failing or blocked.

Pinning restrictions in Windows 11 (especially 22H2) are stricter than Win10. UWP apps and many system shortcuts cannot be pinned using these tools due to modern restrictions.

---

Your Best-Bet, Tested Solution (As of 21H2/22H2):​

1. Place Both Script and PinToTaskbar.exe in a Folder​

Example: C:\SetupFiles

2. PowerShell Example Script (PinAllToTaskbar.ps1)​

$shortcutPath = "C:\SetupFiles\TaskbarShortcuts"
$pinTool = "C:\SetupFiles\PinToTaskbar.exe"
Get-ChildItem "$shortcutPath\*.lnk" | ForEach-Object {
    Start-Process $pinTool -ArgumentList "`"$_`""
}

• Make sure .lnk shortcuts exist in TaskbarShortcuts.
• Use a tested version of PinToTaskbar.exe (from this project), not a random download.

3. Create Scheduled Task for User Logon​

Run the following in a setup phase that executes for every user:
schtasks /Create /SC ONLOGON /RL HIGHEST /TN "PinAllToTaskbar" /TR "powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\SetupFiles\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1" /F

• /RL HIGHEST runs with the highest available privileges.
• This creates a task that will run at EVERY user logon. You may want to delete the task (schtasks /delete /TN "PinAllToTaskbar" /F) at the end of the script to avoid repeated pinning.

---

4. Test Manually​

Before deploying unattended:

• Log in as a target user.
• Open a normal PowerShell window (not admin).
• Run the script directly:
  powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\SetupFiles\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1
• If it fails, fix errors in this direct run before any deployment scripting.

5. Known Working Alternatives:​

• Use TaskbarLayoutModification.xml for default taskbar layout (but only works for initial profile creation/user, and limited to built-in and installed Win32 apps—not all custom shortcuts or UWP).
• For a lab or non-enterprise use: Consider instructing users to drag/drop or right-click → Pin to Taskbar as group policy/script limitations are increasingly enforced by Microsoft.

---

Key Troubleshooting Steps:​

• Check Windows 11 build/version: Later updates may silently patch out some scripting/pinning tricks.
• Open Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System/Application: Look for events where scheduled tasks or scripts fail.
• Check presence and permissions for all files in referenced paths.
• Test process by hand as a regular user (not admin) to see if your script works in a live session.

---

If you post your exact script content and installation/deployment flow, I can check it line-by-line for you.
Or, if you want to try the TaskbarLayoutModification.xml, let me know—I'll provide a sample for your scenario.

---

Summary:

• Pinning by script/tool works selectively and with caveats on Win11 21H2/22H2.
• Workarounds that succeed for some users may fail for others due to Microsoft restrictions, timing, or permissions.
• Direct user-context script invocation (scheduled at logon or triggered via shortcut) and TaskbarLayoutModification.xml are the two least-broken ways to semi-automate taskbar setup on supported builds.

Upload your script/log for review, or specify whether you want a TaskbarLayoutModification.xml template. I’ll help you get as close as possible to automated taskbar pinning for your Win11 environment!

 

[Pcgamer27]

Thank you for specifying you’re working with Windows 11 21H2 and 22H2. Let’s clarify a few things to make “pinning icons to the taskbar via script” as reliable and automated as possible:

---

Scheduled Task Method: Why It Might Fail​

Even with a scheduled task, most PowerShell scripts or helper programs (like PinToTaskbar.exe) that pin to the taskbar must run in the interactive context after the user profile and Explorer shell are fully loaded. Potential reasons your setup doesn't work:

• The script or .exe is run before Explorer starts.
• PinToTaskbar.exe or your script isn’t present in the referenced path (C:\SetupFiles).
• The script is not running in the user’s interactive desktop context (still in SYSTEM).
• Windows 11 taskbar pinning API/behavior changed and some previous utilities are failing or blocked.

Pinning restrictions in Windows 11 (especially 22H2) are stricter than Win10. UWP apps and many system shortcuts cannot be pinned using these tools due to modern restrictions.

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Your Best-Bet, Tested Solution (As of 21H2/22H2):​

1. Place Both Script and PinToTaskbar.exe in a Folder​

Example: C:\SetupFiles

2. PowerShell Example Script (PinAllToTaskbar.ps1)​

$shortcutPath = "C:\SetupFiles\TaskbarShortcuts"
$pinTool = "C:\SetupFiles\PinToTaskbar.exe"
Get-ChildItem "$shortcutPath\*.lnk" | ForEach-Object {
    Start-Process $pinTool -ArgumentList "`"$_`""
}

• Make sure .lnk shortcuts exist in TaskbarShortcuts.
• Use a tested version of PinToTaskbar.exe (from this project), not a random download.

3. Create Scheduled Task for User Logon​

Run the following in a setup phase that executes for every user:
schtasks /Create /SC ONLOGON /RL HIGHEST /TN "PinAllToTaskbar" /TR "powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\SetupFiles\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1" /F

• /RL HIGHEST runs with the highest available privileges.
• This creates a task that will run at EVERY user logon. You may want to delete the task (schtasks /delete /TN "PinAllToTaskbar" /F) at the end of the script to avoid repeated pinning.

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4. Test Manually​

Before deploying unattended:

• Log in as a target user.
• Open a normal PowerShell window (not admin).
• Run the script directly:
  powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\SetupFiles\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1
• If it fails, fix errors in this direct run before any deployment scripting.

5. Known Working Alternatives:​

• Use TaskbarLayoutModification.xml for default taskbar layout (but only works for initial profile creation/user, and limited to built-in and installed Win32 apps—not all custom shortcuts or UWP).
• For a lab or non-enterprise use: Consider instructing users to drag/drop or right-click → Pin to Taskbar as group policy/script limitations are increasingly enforced by Microsoft.

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Key Troubleshooting Steps:​

• Check Windows 11 build/version: Later updates may silently patch out some scripting/pinning tricks.
• Open Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System/Application: Look for events where scheduled tasks or scripts fail.
• Check presence and permissions for all files in referenced paths.
• Test process by hand as a regular user (not admin) to see if your script works in a live session.

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If you post your exact script content and installation/deployment flow, I can check it line-by-line for you.
Or, if you want to try the TaskbarLayoutModification.xml, let me know—I'll provide a sample for your scenario.

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Summary:

• Pinning by script/tool works selectively and with caveats on Win11 21H2/22H2.
• Workarounds that succeed for some users may fail for others due to Microsoft restrictions, timing, or permissions.
• Direct user-context script invocation (scheduled at logon or triggered via shortcut) and TaskbarLayoutModification.xml are the two least-broken ways to semi-automate taskbar setup on supported builds.

Upload your script/log for review, or specify whether you want a TaskbarLayoutModification.xml template. I’ll help you get as close as possible to automated taskbar pinning for your Win11 environment!

the intention is to put it in the file autounattend.xml

 

[ChatGPT]

Perfect clarification! If your goal is to automate taskbar pinning during Windows 11 setup and integrate that into autounattend.xml, the best you can do is use one of these two methods:

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1. Invoke Taskbar Pinning Script via FirstLogonCommands in autounattend.xml​

You can call your pinning script as part of <FirstLogonCommands> in your answer file.
Recommended script:

<FirstLogonCommands>
  <SynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
    <Order>1</Order>
    <Description>Pin All To Taskbar</Description>
    <CommandLine>powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File C:\SetupFiles\PinAllToTaskbar.ps1</CommandLine>
  </SynchronousCommand>
</FirstLogonCommands>

• Make sure PinAllToTaskbar.ps1 and PinToTaskbar.exe are present in C:\SetupFiles on your deployed system.
• This runs in the context of the first logged-in user, so it can pin to their taskbar.

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Example: PinAllToTaskbar.ps1​

$shortcutPath = "C:\SetupFiles\TaskbarShortcuts"
$pinTool = "C:\SetupFiles\PinToTaskbar.exe"
Get-ChildItem "$shortcutPath\*.lnk" | ForEach-Object {
    Start-Process $pinTool -ArgumentList "`"$_`""
}

• Make sure all .lnk files you want to pin are in C:\SetupFiles\TaskbarShortcuts.

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2. TaskbarLayoutModification.xml (for default layout, new users only)​

If you want pinned icons for ALL new users, use TaskbarLayoutModification.xml.
Copy it to C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\ or a suitable place for first logon processing.

Example XML snippet:​

<TaskbarLayout>
  <DefaultLayoutOverride>
    <Taskbar>
      <TaskbarPinList>
        <DesktopApp DesktopApplicationLinkPath="%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Notepad++.lnk"/>
        <DesktopApp DesktopApplicationLinkPath="%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\YourApp.lnk"/>
      </TaskbarPinList>
    </Taskbar>
  </DefaultLayoutOverride>
</TaskbarLayout>

• Save as TaskbarLayoutModification.xml and place as above.
• Applies only to new user profiles and primarily for Win32 apps with Start Menu links—won’t pin all types of shortcuts or UWP apps.

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Which to choose?​

• If you want to pin after first real login, use FirstLogonCommands in autounattend.xml with a script+PinToTaskbar.exe+your shortcuts.
• If you want it for ALL new users as the default layout, use TaskbarLayoutModification.xml.

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You cannot run explorer/taskbar pinning successfully during SetupComplete.cmd or specialize; it must be under a real user login session (which FirstLogonCommands provides).

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If you want a more detailed example, or both script and XML (plus folder structure), just let me know the specific programs you want pinned, and I’ll draft ready-to-use files for your deployment!​