Taskbar

The description of Taskbar

Site Editorial Commentary：PC-style start menu & recent app launcher, with Android 10 Desktop Mode support!

Taskbar brings a customizable start menu and recent apps tray to the top of your screen, accessible anytime, boosting your productivity and transforming your Android tablet or phone into a multitasking powerhouse!

Taskbar fully supports Android 10's Desktop mode, enabling you to connect your compatible device to an external display and run apps in resizable windows, delivering a PC-like experience. On devices running Android 7.0 and above, Taskbar can also launch apps in freeform windows without needing an external display. No root access is required! (See below for setup instructions).

Taskbar is also compatible with Android TV (sideloaded) and Chrome OS. Use Taskbar as a secondary Android app launcher on your Chromebook or convert your Nvidia Shield into an Android-powered PC!

If you find Taskbar valuable, please consider upgrading to the Donate Version. Simply tap the "Donate" option located at the bottom of the app (or, if on the web, click the provided link).

Key Features:

• Start menu: Displays all applications installed on your device, configurable as a list or grid.
• Recent apps tray: Shows your most recently used apps, allowing you to switch between them effortlessly.
• Collapsible and hideable: Show the taskbar when you need it and hide it when you don't.
• Extensive configuration options: Customize Taskbar to suit your preferences.
• Pin favorite apps or block the ones you don't want to see.
• Designed for seamless use with keyboard and mouse.
• 100% free, open-source, and ad-free.

Desktop Mode (Android 10+, requires external display):

Taskbar fully supports Android 10's built-in desktop mode functionality. Connect your compatible Android 10+ device to an external display and run apps in resizable windows, with Taskbar's interface displayed on your external screen while your existing launcher remains active on your phone.

Desktop mode requires a USB-to-HDMI adapter (or a lapdock) and a compatible device that supports video output. Additionally, certain settings require granting a special permission via adb.

To begin, open the Taskbar app and tap "Desktop mode." Then, simply tick the checkbox, and the app will guide you through the setup process. For more information, tap the (?) icon in the upper-right corner of the screen.

Freeform Window Mode (Android 7.0+, no external display required):

Taskbar enables you to launch apps in freeform floating windows on Android 7.0+ devices. Root access is not required; however, Android 8.0, 8.1, and 9 devices require an adb shell command to be exeCuted during the initial setup.

Follow these steps to configure your device for launching apps in freeform mode:

1. Check the box for "Freeform window support" within the Taskbar app.
2. Follow the on-screen directions that appear in the pop-up to enable the appropriate settings on your device (one-time setup).
3. Go to your device's recent apps page and clear all recent apps.
4. Start Taskbar, then select an app to launch it in a freeform window.

For more information and detailed instructions, tap "Help & instructions for freeform mode" inside the Taskbar app.

Accessibility Service Disclosure:

Taskbar includes an optional accessibility service, which can be enabled to perform system button press actions such as back, home, recents, and power, and to display the notification tray.

The accessibility service is solely used to perform the actions mentioned above and for no other purpose. Taskbar does not use accessibility services for any form of data collection. In fact, Taskbar cannot access the Internet as it does not declare the necessary Internet permission.