Adding apps to your Windows 11 desktop is a quick way to get your favorite programs within arm’s reach, especially if you hate digging through menus or clicking around. Sometimes, though, it’s not as straightforward as just dragging an icon, especially with some built-in or store apps. You might find that the option to send a shortcut to the desktop is missing or the app’s not showing up where you expect. No worries—there are a few tricks that usually do the job, even if Windows tries to make it complicated.
How to Add Apps to Desktop Windows 11
Method 1: Using the Start Menu or Search
This is the most common way, but it doesn’t always work smoothly for all apps. You open the Start menu or use Windows + S to bring up search. Find your app—whether it’s a regular program or a Microsoft Store app—then right-click on it. If you see “Open file location, ” click that. If not, it might be a Windows app with its shortcut stored somewhere else. Sometimes, for store apps, you can right-click and see options to create a desktop shortcut right there, but that’s not guaranteed.
When in the file location, right-click on the app’s executable or shortcut and choose Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). Voilà – you should see the icon pop up right on your desktop.
Note: On some systems, this “Send to” option doesn’t appear directly for apps installed from the Microsoft Store. In that case, you’ll need to manually pin or create a shortcut through other methods.
Method 2: Manually Creating a Shortcut from the File Explorer
If the usual way doesn’t show the “Open file location, ” here’s what you can do. Navigate to the app’s install folder, typically under C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86). Sometimes, shortcuts are tucked away in the Start menu’s program folder; you can access those by right-clicking the app in the Start menu, choosing More > Open file location.
Once you find the app’s executable (.exe), right-click it, select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). This kind of hacky method is what’s often needed when Windows is being particularly annoying about Store apps or certain programs.
Method 3: Drag from the Start menu (if available)
This is kind of a shortcut itself but works if Windows allows it. Open the Start menu, find the app, then drag the icon directly onto the desktop (hold left mouse button, drag, and release on desktop).Sometimes, Windows lets you drop it straight onto the desktop to make a shortcut. Sometimes it doesn’t—thanks, Windows! But worth a shot.
Method 4: Using PowerShell or Command Prompt
For advanced users, you can script shortcuts using PowerShell. It’s handy if you want to automate setting up your workspace. For example, a simple script can create a shortcut on the desktop pointing to an app’s location. Not the most beginner-friendly, but if you’re into scripting, this can save a lot of time in the long run. Just be aware that creating a shortcut via script needs exact paths and sometimes a bit of trial and error.
Some Tips that Might Help
- You can also try right-clicking the app in the Start menu and choosing Pin to desktop if that option exists for you. It’s a quick way sometimes.
- If you want the shortcut to look different or have a custom icon, right-click the shortcut, pick Properties, then under Shortcut > Change Icon.
- To organize better, create folders on your desktop or use a tool like Winhance—a nifty app to customize Windows shortcuts and layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add apps from the Microsoft Store to my desktop?
Yep, mostly. You can try the same right-click > Create shortcut trick, but sometimes it’s hidden or doesn’t work smoothly. In those cases, use a third-party tool or manually create shortcuts as described above.
What if I can’t find the app I want to add?
Double-check if it’s actually installed or if it’s a Windows app that’s hard to access via file explorer. Sometimes, a fresh search or reinstall helps. Also, try searching for the exact name—some apps are tucked away in weird folders.
How do I remove a shortcut from the desktop?
Right-click the icon and pick Delete. Easy. Just don’t choose uninstall unless you want the app gone—shortcuts are separate.
Can I change a shortcut icon?
Yes, just right-click the shortcut, select Properties, then under the Shortcut tab, click on Change Icon. Pick something you like, hit OK, and it’s personalized.
Will deleting a shortcut uninstall the app?
Nope. Deleting a desktop shortcut just removes that icon. The app stays installed in your system unless you delete it through Settings or Programs list.
Summary
- Open start menu or search for the app.
- Right-click and check for “Open file location.”
- If available, right-click the app’s executable and send it to the desktop.
- If not, manually find the app’s folder or executable and create a shortcut from there.
- Customize and organize your shortcuts for efficiency.
Wrap-up
Adding apps to your desktop can seem like a hassle at first—Windows sometimes makes it harder than it needs to—but once you get the hang of these tricks, it’s a pretty quick process. It’s all about making your workspace work for you, saving time, and cutting down on those endless clicks. And hey, don’t be surprised if one method works perfectly on one PC and not so much on another—that’s Windows for you. Still, having these options up your sleeve is handy. Fingers crossed this helps someone streamline their workflow a bit more.