Ready to get that app shortcut onto your Windows 11 desktop for quick access? Let's dive right in!
Getting Your App on the Desktop: Multiple Paths to Convenience
There isn't just one way to send an app to your Windows 11 desktop; you have a few options depending on where the app is located. We'll explore the most common scenarios and guide you through each one.
Step 1: Identifying the App's Current Location
Before we can send the app to your desktop, we need to know where it currently resides. Most apps on Windows 11 fall into one of these categories:
- Installed Applications (from the Microsoft Store or other sources): These are typically found in your Start Menu or listed in the "Apps & features" settings.
- Web Applications (accessed through a browser): These don't have a traditional installation but can be pinned to the taskbar or, as we'll see, have a website shortcut placed on the desktop.
- Portable Applications (run directly from a folder): These are self-contained executables that don't require installation.
Think for a moment – where is the app you want to send to your desktop currently located? Knowing this will help you choose the correct method below.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Method Based on Location
Now that you have an idea of where your app is, let's explore the different ways to create a desktop shortcut.
Method 2.1: Creating a Desktop Shortcut for Installed Applications (Most Common)
This method works for the majority of applications you've installed on your Windows 11 system.
Sub-step 2.1.1: Accessing the Start Menu
Click on the Start button (the Windows logo) usually located at the bottom-left corner of your screen. This will open the Start Menu.
Sub-step 2.1.2: Locating Your Application in the App List
Scroll through the alphabetical list of installed applications until you find the one you want to send to your desktop.
Sub-step 2.1.3: Creating the Shortcut
This is where the magic happens! There are a couple of ways to do this from the Start Menu:
- Drag and Drop Method: Click and hold the app's name in the Start Menu. While still holding the mouse button, drag your cursor to an empty area on your desktop and then release the mouse button. This will create a shortcut to the application on your desktop.
- Right-Click and Send To Method: Right-click on the app's name in the Start Menu. In the context menu that appears, hover over the "More" option. Another sub-menu will appear. Click on "Open file location". This will open File Explorer in the folder where the application's shortcut is located (this isn't the actual program files, but a shortcut to it). Now, right-click on this shortcut file in File Explorer, hover over "Send to", and then click on "Desktop (create shortcut)".
Method 2.2: Creating a Desktop Shortcut for Web Applications
For websites that you use frequently and want quick access to, you can create a desktop shortcut that opens directly in your default browser.
Sub-step 2.2.1: Opening the Website in Your Browser
Launch your preferred web browser (e.g., Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox) and navigate to the website you want to create a desktop shortcut for.
Sub-step 2.2.2: Creating the Shortcut (Browser-Specific)
The exact steps might vary slightly depending on your browser:
- Microsoft Edge: Click on the three dots (ellipsis) in the top-right corner of the browser window to open the menu. Hover over "More tools" and then click on "Pin to taskbar". While this pins it to the taskbar, you can then drag this pinned icon from the taskbar to your desktop to create a desktop shortcut. Alternatively, in the "More tools" menu, you might find an "Add to desktop" option directly.
- Google Chrome: Click on the three dots (vertical ellipsis) in the top-right corner of the browser window. Hover over "More tools" and then click on "Create shortcut...". A dialog box will appear asking you to name the shortcut. Enter a name and click "Create". You can choose to have it open as a window or a tab.
- Mozilla Firefox: Navigate to the website. Click and drag the lock icon (or website icon) located to the left of the website address in the address bar directly onto your desktop.
Method 2.3: Creating a Desktop Shortcut for Portable Applications
If you have a portable application (an .exe file that runs without installation), creating a desktop shortcut is straightforward.
Sub-step 2.3.1: Locating the Application's Executable File (.exe)
Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder where the portable application's .exe file is located.
Sub-step 2.3.2: Creating the Shortcut
- Right-Click and Create Shortcut: Right-click on the .exe file. In the context menu, click on "Create shortcut". A new shortcut file will be created in the same folder. You can then drag this shortcut from the folder to your desktop.
- Send To Desktop: Right-click on the .exe file. Hover over "Send to" and then click on "Desktop (create shortcut)".
Step 3: Customizing Your Desktop Shortcut (Optional)
Once you have the shortcut on your desktop, you can customize it further.
Sub-step 3.1.1: Renaming the Shortcut
- Right-click on the shortcut icon on your desktop.
- Select "Rename" from the context menu.
- Type in your desired name for the shortcut and press Enter.
Sub-step 3.1.2: Changing the Shortcut Icon
- Right-click on the shortcut icon on your desktop.
- Select "Properties" from the context menu.
- In the Properties window, go to the "Shortcut" tab.
- Click on the "Change Icon..." button.
1 - A warning might appear; click "OK".
- Browse through the list of available icons or click "Browse..." to locate an icon file (.ico) on your computer.
- Select the icon you want to use and click "OK" on both the "Change Icon" and "Properties" windows.
Congratulations! You've successfully sent your app to the Windows 11 desktop. Now you can enjoy quick and easy access to your favorite applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (How to...)
How to quickly create a desktop shortcut from the Start Menu?
Quick Answer: Open the Start Menu, find the app, and drag it directly to your desktop.
How to create a desktop shortcut for a website in Chrome?
Quick Answer: Open the website, click the three dots menu, go to "More tools," and select "Create shortcut...".
How to find the original file location of a desktop shortcut?
Quick Answer: Right-click on the shortcut, and select "Open file location."
How to change the icon of a desktop shortcut?
Quick Answer: Right-click the shortcut, go to "Properties," then the "Shortcut" tab, and click "Change Icon...".
How to delete a desktop shortcut?
Quick Answer: Right-click on the shortcut and select "Delete," then confirm. This only deletes the shortcut, not the application itself.
How to pin an app to the taskbar instead of the desktop?
Quick Answer: Open the Start Menu, right-click the app, and select "Pin to taskbar."
How to create a shortcut to a specific file or folder on the desktop?
Quick Answer: Right-click on an empty area of the desktop, go to "New," select "Shortcut," then browse to the file or folder and click "Next" and "Finish."
How to troubleshoot if I can't drag an app from the Start Menu to the desktop?
Quick Answer: Ensure your desktop isn't locked or that no other applications are interfering. Try the "Right-click and Send To" method instead.
How to make a desktop shortcut open an app as administrator?
Quick Answer: Right-click the shortcut, go to "Properties," then the "Shortcut" tab, click "Advanced...," and check the "Run as administrator" box.
How to organize multiple desktop shortcuts?
Quick Answer: Right-click on the desktop, go to "Sort by" to arrange them, or create new folders on your desktop to group related shortcuts.