How to Create Desktop Shortcuts on Windows 11

By Ajoy Kumar 8 Min Read
How to Create a Desktop Shortcut in Windows 11

While this topic may sound very basic to some users, it can be quite helpful for new Windows users. When you add and create a desktop shortcuts in Windows 11, it allows you to quickly access any important files and applications you use frequently.

Shortcuts are small icons that you can place on your desktop, eliminating the need to search for an application in the Windows search or dig through folders on your computer to launch an app repeatedly. Here is a guide on how to create a desktop shortcut in Windows 11.

How to Create Desktop Shortcuts on Windows 11

There are many ways to create a desktop shortcut in Windows 11. Here, we are going to discuss some of the possible methods for creating a desktop shortcut. However, if you are looking for a guide on how to add desktop icons like This PC, Recycle Bin, and Control Panel, then follow the linked guide.

Here, we will only discuss creating a desktop shortcut for files and applications. To do so, follow the methods below:

1. Using Drag and Drop

If you want to create a desktop shortcut for an application you frequently use, you can utilize the drag-and-drop feature. It is the easiest method to create a desktop shortcut.

Here’s how you can use it:

1. Click on the Windows icon on the taskbar to open the Start menu.

2. Then, click on the All Apps button at the top right corner of the Start menu to get the list of applications installed on Windows 11.

All Apps List

3. Now, look for the app you want to create a desktop shortcut for, then click on the app and drag it onto the desktop.

Dragging Apps on Desktop

After that, the application shortcut will appear on the desktop. Now, you can use it to open the app.

2. Using Application Folder

Sometimes, some of the installed apps are not listed on the Start Menu’s app list. To create a desktop shortcuts for these apps, you have to access the application folder on Windows 11. Here’s how you can do it.

1. Press Windows + S, search for the command prompt and open it.

2. After that, run the following command to open the application folder of your system.

explorer shell:AppsFolder
Run Apps Folder Command

3. This will open the Applications folder. Search for the app, right-click on it, and select Create shortcut from the menu.

Create Shortcut from the Application Folder

3. Using Context Menu

When you install a third-party application from any external source other than the Windows Store, the app does not get added to the Windows Start Menu. However, you can search for the application folder to create a desktop shortcut for it. To do that, follow these steps:

1. Click on the window icon on the taskbar to open the Start menu.

2. Then, search for the app you want to create a desktop shortcut.

Searching on Start Menu

3. Now, right-click on the app and click on the Open folder location option from the context menu.

Open File Location

4. It will open the application installation folder. Look for the app shortcut; right-click on it to open the context menu and click on the Show more options.

Right-click on App

5. After that, hover your mouse over the Sent to option and select the Desktop(Create Shortcut) option to create a desktop shortcut.

Choose Dektop Create Shortcuts

After that, the application shortcut will appear on the desktop. Now, you can use it to open the app.

4. Using the File Explorer

You can also use File Explorer to create desktop shortcuts for any file, folder, or application. To do this, navigate to the location where you have the application, files, or folder, and then create a desktop shortcut for it.

To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Open File Explorer using the Windows + E keyboard combination.

2. Then navigate to the location where you have the application or files.

3. Now, right-click on it to open the context menu and click on the Show more options.

Show more options

4. After that, click to the Sent to option and select the Desktop(Create Shortcut) option.

Context Menu Option

Note: You can also use this method to create a desktop shortcut for files, folders, images, videos, and more.

5. Use Shortcut Wizard

You can also create a desktop shortcuts from the desktop itself using the Windows Shortcut Wizard. To do that, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on an empty area on the desktop windows.

2. Then hover your mouse towards New or click on it from the context menu. After that, click on Shortcut from the drop-down menu.

Creating Desktop Shortcuts using Windows Shortcut Wizard

3. Now, click the Browse button to browse the item location you would like to create a desktop shortcut. After that, select the item, and click on OK.

Note: Alternatively, you can also enter a website URL or application name in the box to create a desktop shortcut for it.

Browser for Files or Folders

5. After that, click on Next to continue and give a name to the shortcut.

6. Finally, click on the Finish button.

Giving Name to Desktop Shortcuts

6. Create a Website Desktop Shortcut

If you’d like to create a desktop shortcut for a website or a specific webpage that you visit frequently, it’s quite simple to do so. You can create a desktop shortcut for a website using the drag-and-drop method.

To create a website shortcut, follow these steps:

1. Open your preferred web browser and go to the webpage you want to create a shortcut for.

2. Click on the website icon in the address bar, and then drag it onto your desktop.

Website Shortcuts

3. You will now have the shortcut on your desktop, which you can use whenever you need it.

Conclusion

Customizing your desktop with shortcuts can greatly enhance your Windows 11 experience by providing quick access to your most-used apps and files. Feel free to explore and make your desktop workspace more efficient.

That’s it; this is how you can create desktop shortcuts in Windows 11. However, if you want to create a new folder on Windows 11, you can follow the linked guide. We hope this guide was helpful to you. Moreover, if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section. We are always here to assist you.

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He is a prominent tech writer with over six years of experience and the founder of TheCoderWord. He delivers high-quality content revolving around troubleshooting and how-to guides for Windows, Linux, macOS, Chrome, and more.
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