Where is the Quick Launch Bar in SharePoint | Ultimate Guide 2024

SharePoint Quick Launch is a navigation feature that provides easy access to important links, libraries, and sites within a SharePoint site. Learn how to find and use Quick Launch will help users to navigate to what they need to manage data with best productivity and site usability.

Where is the Quick Launch Bar in SharePoint

Here’s a detailed guide to help you find and ensure the Quick Launch bar is visible:

1. Login: Open your web browser and navigate to your SharePoint site. Enter your username and password to log in. Ensure you have appropriate permissions to access the site settings and modify navigation elements.

2. Navigate: Once logged in, navigate to the specific site or subsite where you expect the Quick Launch bar to be present. The Quick Launch bar is a site-specific feature, so you need to be on the correct site to find it.

3. Left Panel: The Quick Launch bar is typically found on the left-hand side of the SharePoint site’s homepage. It usually contains links to libraries, lists, discussions, and other key components of the site.

If you do not see the Quick Launch bar, it might be hidden due to customization or site settings. To verify and adjust this:

• Access Site Settings: Click on the gear icon (usually located at the top right corner of the page) and select “Site Settings” from the dropdown menu.
• Navigation Elements: Under the "Look and Feel" section, click on "Navigation Elements."
• Enable Quick Launch: Ensure that the "Quick Launch" option is checked. This setting controls whether the Quick Launch bar is displayed on the site.

Quick Launch Bar Missing in SharePoint

If the Quick Launch bar is missing in SharePoint, here are the steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

1. Check Permissions 

Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to view and modify site settings. Without sufficient permissions, you may not be able to see or configure the Quick Launch bar.

2. Site Settings

Navigate to the site where the Quick Launch bar is missing. Go to "Site Settings". Under "Look and Feel", click on `Navigation Elements`.  Ensure that the option for "Show Quick Launch" is checked. If it's unchecked, the Quick Launch bar won't be displayed.

3. Custom Master Page or Theme

Sometimes, custom master pages or themes can affect the display of the Quick Launch bar.  Navigate to "Site Settings" >"Master pages and page layouts".  Check if a custom master page or a custom theme is applied.  Test by temporarily switching back to the default master page (if possible) to see if the Quick Launch bar reappears.

4. Browser Issues

Clear your browser cache and cookies.  Try accessing the SharePoint site from a different web browser. Sometimes, browser extensions or settings can interfere with how SharePoint renders the page, including the Quick Launch bar.

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue of the Quick Launch bar being missing in SharePoint. If the issue persists after trying these steps, further investigation may be needed, such as checking SharePoint logs or consulting with your IT support team.

Customize and Personlize the Quick Launch Bar in SharePoint

To customize the Quick Launch bar:

1. Access Site Settings: Go to Site Settings > Look and Feel > Quick Launch.

2. Add Links: Click "Add Link" to include new items in the Quick Launch bar.

3. Organize: Drag and drop links to reorganize them according to your preferences.

4. Edit or Remove: Click on existing links to edit or remove them.

How Do I Add a Page to SharePoint Quick Launch?

Adding a page to the Quick Launch bar in SharePoint helps improve accessibility and navigation within your site. Here’s a step-by-step guide to add a page to the Quick Launch bar:

Step 1. Open your web browser, navigate to your SharePoint site, and enter your username and password to log in to Your SharePoint Account.

Step 2. Navigate to the specific page within your SharePoint site that you want to add to the Quick Launch bar. Ensure this page is published and accessible.

Step 3. Click on the gear icon (usually located at the top right corner of the page) and select “Site Settings” from the dropdown menu. If you don’t see this option, you may need higher permissions.

Step 4. Under the "Look and Feel" section in Site Settings, click on "Quick Launch."

Step 5. In the Quick Launch settings, you will see sections like "Current Navigation" or "Navigation Links." Click on "New Navigation Link" or "Add Link" (the wording may vary depending on your SharePoint version). And fill in the link details like display name, specific ULR, etc.

Step 6. Once you have filled in the necessary details, click "OK" or "Save" to add the link to the Quick Launch bar.

Then you can navigate back to your site’s homepage and check the Quick Launch bar to ensure that the new link appears correctly and is functional.

Conclusion

The Quick Launch bar is an essential feature in SharePoint that improves navigation and user experience. By ensuring it is visible, troubleshooting any issues, and customizing it to fit your needs, you can significantly enhance the efficiency and usability of your SharePoint site.