Taskbar

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

App stats

Version: 6.2.2 (Last updated: 2024-10-02)
Creation date: 2016-07-19
Permissions
Device & app history: retrieve running apps
Wi-Fi connection information: view Wi-Fi connections
Other:
  • update component usage statistics
  • adjust your wallpaper size
  • modify secure system settings
  • view network connections
  • pair with Bluetooth devices
  • run at startup
  • draw over other apps
  • modify system settings
  • install shortcuts

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App summary

Taskbar puts a start menu and recent apps tray on top of your screen that's accessible at any time, increasing your productivity and turning your Android tablet (or phone) into a real multitasking machine!

Taskbar supports Android 10's Desktop Mode, allowing you to connect your compatible device to an external display and run apps in resizable windows, for a PC-like experience! On devices running Android 7.0+, Taskbar can also launch apps in freeform windows without an external display. No root required! (see below for instructions)

Taskbar is also supported on Android TV (sideloaded) and Chrome OS - use Taskbar as a secondary Android app launcher on your Chromebook, or turn your Nvidia Shield into an Android-powered PC!

If you find Taskbar useful, please consider upgrading to the Donate Version! Simply tap the "Donate" option at the bottom of the app (or, on the web, click here).

Features:

• Start menu - shows you all applications installed on the device, configurable as a list or as a grid
• Recent apps tray - shows your most recently used apps and lets you easily switch between them
• Collapsible and hideable - show it when you need it, hide it when you don't
• Many different configuration options - customize Taskbar however you want
• Pin favorite apps or block the ones you don't want to see
• Designed with keyboard and mouse in mind
• 100% free, open source, and no ads

Desktop mode (Android 10+, requires external display)

Taskbar supports Android 10's built-in desktop mode functionality. You can connect your compatible Android 10+ device to an external display and run apps in resizable windows, with Taskbar's interface running on your external display and your existing launcher still running 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 get started, open up the Taskbar app and click "Desktop mode". Then, just tick the checkbox and the app will guide you through the setup process. For more information, click the (?) icon in the upper-right hand corner of the screen.

Freeform window mode (Android 7.0+, no external display required)

Taskbar lets you launch apps in freeform floating windows on Android 7.0+ devices. No root access is required, although Android 8.0, 8.1, and 9 devices require an adb shell command to be run during initial setup.

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

1. Check the box for "Freeform window support" inside the Taskbar app
2. Follow the directions that appear in the pop-up to enable the proper 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, click "Help & instructions for freeform mode" inside the Taskbar app.

Accessibility service disclosure

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

The accessibility service is used only to perform the above actions, and for no other purpose. Taskbar does not use accessibility services to perform any data collection whatsoever (in fact, Taskbar cannot access the Internet in any capacity as it does not declare the required Internet permission).

User reviews

These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Google Play Store does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • Useful alternative for phones without native desktop mode
  • Customization options for the taskbar
  • Saves time and frustration in app navigation
  • Free and simple to use
  • Overall bug-free experience for most users
Cons
  • Crashing issues after recent updates
  • Limited ability to customize taskbar placement and size
  • Overlap issues with other UI elements
  • No way to pin apps to the dock
  • Some basic features lacking compared to expectations
Most mentioned
  • App crashes after updates
  • Need for more customization options
  • Request for specific window management features
  • Desire for the taskbar to reserve its own space on the screen
  • Users enjoy the multi-window capabilities
User reviews
Awesome alternative for phones without native desktop mode (e.g., DeX or Ready For)! Thanks to the developers for an awesome app, and I'm hoping it gets more cool features like re-sizing windows using "Alt + left-mouse button" like in Linux. P.s., for users asking about screen size when connect your phone, see another app "SecondScreen" (by the same developer!)
by Franklin Ramos, 2024-11-10

Fairly useful but if you can find a way to grab and centre the cursor for playing games with a mouse and keyboard it would be perfect. As it is when im using a remote streaming client in desktop mode in a 3d application if i move the cursor to the edge of the screen it goes past the screen and unfocuses the window which means your camera stops turning
by lee muirhead, 2024-10-24

The app keep crashing after version 6.2.1, but it works well on the older version like 6.2.0 or older (note to developer : sent me the older version of this app, i need it)
by depends, 2024-10-14
View all user reviews

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