Taskbar

Created by Braden Farmer, Taskbar focuses on practical multitasking across phones, tablets, TVs, and Chromebooks. The Taskbar APK adds a persistent start menu and recent apps tray, making app switching feel closer to a desktop. It supports freeform windows and Android 10 desktop mode, with no root required. The highlights below show how it adapts to different screens and workflows.

Start menu shows all apps, arranged as a grid or a listRecent apps tray keeps shortcuts handy for quick context switchingCollapsible bar appears when needed, and hides cleanly when notPin favorite apps or block ones you don’t want to surfaceDesigned for keyboard and mouse, ideal on larger displays100% free and open source, with no ads or trackingOptional accessibility shortcuts for back, home, recents, power, notifications

Desktop Mode (Android 10+)

Desktop Mode enables resizable app windows on an external display for a PC-like feel. Connect a compatible device with USB-to-HDMI or a lapdock, then let Taskbar place its interface on the bigger screen while your phone keeps its launcher. In daily use, arranging windows side by side and using a keyboard makes email, notes, and browsing faster. Some settings may require granting a special permission via adb.

Freeform Windows (Android 7.0+)

Freeform Windows bring floating app panels to your device without an external monitor. Taskbar can launch apps into movable windows, so chatting, copying text, and checking files happen together without constant app switching. Initial setup is guided in-app, and Android 8–9 devices may need a one-time adb shell command. After that, choosing an app from the tray pops it into a resizable window.

Download and install Taskbar

You can download Taskbar from APKPure in just a few moments. The file is small, so most connections finish quickly. After tapping the APK, your device may ask to allow installs from this source; grant it to continue. Installation typically completes in under a minute on modern devices.

Open Taskbar, pick your layout, and try launching a couple of apps from the start menu to see how it fits your workflow. For best stability and improvements, install the Taskbar latest version available here. If you plan to use desktop mode, have your USB-to-HDMI adapter ready before configuring windows.