Windows 11 cannot pin a website directly to the taskbar, but a browser can turn your inbox into a standalone app window, and that window can be pinned. It then opens in its own window with its own taskbar icon.
Quick Answer
In Chrome, with your inbox open, use the menu to install the page as an app. While the app window is open, right-click its taskbar icon and select Pin to taskbar.
How to Pin Gmail to the Taskbar in Windows 11
- Open Chrome and sign in to Gmail.
- Open the Chrome menu (the three vertical dots at the top right).
- Hover over Cast, save, and share. In the submenu, pick Install page as app. Older versions list Create shortcut instead; tick Open as window there.
- Confirm with Install. Your inbox reopens in a separate window.
- Right-click the inbox icon that appears on the taskbar, then select Pin to taskbar.
- Using Microsoft Edge? Open Settings and more, go to Apps and install the site, then pin its icon the same way.
Options Compared
| Method | Result |
|---|---|
| Install page as app (Chrome) | Own window and taskbar icon |
| Install this site as an app (Edge) | Own window and taskbar icon |
| Mail app with a Gmail account | Email inside a Windows mail app |
| Desktop shortcut | Opens in a normal browser tab |
Troubleshooting
- No install option: update the browser. Menu names can change between versions.
- Icon opens a browser tab: the shortcut was made without Open as window. Remove it and try again.
- Wrong account opens: sign in to the right account in the app window, or use a separate browser profile.
- Related: putting a Gmail icon on the desktop and pinning Google to the taskbar.
Related: Pin an Excel file to the taskbar in Windows 11.
Related: Pin a website to the taskbar in Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google make a Windows desktop app for Gmail?
Not at the time of writing. An installed web app is the nearest thing.
Will notifications work?
Yes, if you allow notifications for the site in the browser and in Windows Settings, System, Notifications.
How do I unpin it?
Right-click the icon and choose Unpin from taskbar.
Can I get rid of the installed app?
Yes. Uninstall it from its own window menu, or from Settings, Apps, Installed apps.
Summary
- Open Gmail in your browser.
- Install it as an app.
- Open the app.
- Right-click the taskbar icon.
- Choose Pin to taskbar.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.