Easily Remove Auto-Pinning of File Explorer, Google Chrome, and Google Drive at Startup

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss how to remove the auto-pinning of File Explorer, Google Chrome, and Google Drive from the taskbar at startup. Many users find these applications unnecessary or redundant at startup. This guide will cover the key concepts and provide a detailed process to resolve this little problem on your computer.

What is Auto-Pinning?

Auto-pinning refers to the process where applications automatically add themselves to the taskbar upon startup. These applications can range from web browsers (e.g., Google Chrome) to cloud storage services (e.g., Google Drive) and system tools (e.g., File Explorer).

Impact on Computer Startup

Having several applications auto-pinned can affect your computer's startup performance, causing a delay in the time it takes for your desktop to become usable. Moreover, it can result in a cluttered taskbar, making it challenging to locate the applications you frequently use.

Removing Auto-Pinning of Applications

Below are the steps to tackle the problem and remove the auto-pinning of File Explorer, Google Chrome, and Google Drive.

Disabling File Explorer Auto-Pinning

By default, Windows adds File Explorer to the taskbar during startup. To remove it, follow the steps below:

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type taskschd.msc and press Enter to open the Task Scheduler.

3. Expand the Task Scheduler Library and navigate to Microsoft > Windows > File Explorer.

4. Right-click on the SiStartupFolderRun task and select Properties.

5. Go to the General tab, and uncheck Run with highest privileges and Run whether user is logged on or not.

Disabling Google Chrome Auto-Pinning

Google Chrome typically adds itself to the taskbar when you first set it up or update to a new version. To resolve this issue, follow the steps below:

1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three-dot menu.

2. Go to More Tools > Task Manager.

3. In the Task Manager window, find any entry related to "Google Chrome App" or "Google Chrome Helper" and click End Process.

Disabling Google Drive Auto-Pinning

Google Drive can auto-pin itself when you first install the application. Disabling this feature involves the following steps:

1. Launch the Google Drive application.

2. Click on the three-dot menu and go to Preferences.

3. Under the General tab, uncheck Open Google Drive on system startup.

After following the steps above, File Explorer, Google Chrome, and Google Drive should no longer auto-pin themselves to the taskbar during startup. Not only have we solved the clutter problem, but we have also optimized the computer's startup performance.

References

• Dahir, D. (2022). “How to Stop Google Chrome From Automatically Pinning Itself to Your Taskbar”. groovypost.com

• “How to stop File Explorer from opening on Startup”. (n.d.). 8tech.com

• “How to turn off Google Drive app in startup in Windows 10”. (n.d.). thewindowsclub.com