Quick Launch is disabled in Windows 8 as it was in Windows 7. However, there is a work around to enable it. Quick launch enables you to access programs of your choice in an easy manner and also occupies less space on taskbar.
Right Click on Taskbar and select New Toolbar from Toolbars Menu.
Past the following line in the input space for Folder and click on Select Folder.
%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch
You can see the shortcuts by clicking on Quick Launch.
If you want to customize the look of Quick Launch in Windows 8 then unlock the taskbar.
Right click on the Dotted Columns. You can opt to Show Text, Show Title, and set view as Large Icons or Small Icons.
The position of Quick Launch can also be adjusted while Taskbar is unlocked. You have to drag it by left clicking and holding the dotted box to location where you want it.
If you want to disable Quick Launch, all you have to do is uncheck Quick Launch from Toolbars menu.