To reset the Quick Access toolbar in Windows 10, you can follow these steps:
1. Open the Registry Editor app: Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box, then type “regedit” and hit Enter. This will launch the Registry Editor.
2. Close all File Explorer windows: Before making any changes in the Registry, it’s important to close all open File Explorer windows to ensure the changes take effect properly.
3. Navigate to the correct Registry key: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Ribbon
4. Delete the QatItems string value: On the right side of the Registry Editor window, locate the string value called “QatItems.” Right-click on it and select “Delete.” Confirm the deletion when prompted.
By deleting the QatItems string value, you are essentially resetting the Quick Access toolbar to its default state. This will remove any customizations you may have made to the toolbar, so make sure to back up any important shortcuts or settings before proceeding.
It’s worth noting that modifying the Windows Registry can be risky if not done correctly, so it’s always a good idea to create a backup of your Registry before making any changes. This will allow you to restore your Registry to its previous state if anything goes wrong.
In my personal experience, I have had to reset the Quick Access toolbar on multiple occasions. Sometimes, after installing a new software or making certain changes to my system, the Quick Access toolbar would become unresponsive or display incorrect icons. By following the steps mentioned above, I was able to easily reset the toolbar and restore its functionality.
Resetting the Quick Access toolbar in Windows 10 involves using the Registry Editor to delete the QatItems string value. However, it’s important to exercise caution when making changes to the Windows Registry and to always create a backup before proceeding.