How to Add Shortcuts to the Windows Desktop

Do you want to open apps, files, folders, and websites faster? Try creating desktop shortcuts. This tutorial shows how to do that on your Windows 10 or 11 PC.

Although Microsoft places less emphasis on desktop shortcuts in Windows 10 and 11, you can still use them to get to your favorite apps, files, and websites faster. There are several methods for adding shortcuts to the Windows desktop, and we’ll look at all of them.

If you want to create a desktop shortcut to a Microsoft Store app—Photos, Calendar, etc.—or a traditional program on your PC, the quickest way is to drag it from the Start menu’s app list to the desktop.

In Windows 10, you can also drag out pinned Start menu apps into the desktop as shortcuts.

Add App Shortcuts via the Applications Folder

The Applications folder in Windows 10 and 11 is a special directory that features a comprehensive list of all Microsoft Store and non-Store apps on your computer. It offers an alternative way to create desktop shortcuts to the programs on your computer and lists items you typically won’t find listed within the Start menu, such as the Control Panel.

Alternatively, you can access the Applications folder in Windows via the Command Prompt console. Typecmdinto the Start menu, selectOpenand run theexplorer shell:AppsFoldercommand.

Add Traditional System Shortcuts

Windows 10 and 11 display only the Recycle Bin on the desktop by default. But you can put anything you want there, including traditional system shortcuts like This PC, your user account folder, the network devices folder, and Control Panel via the Desktop Icon Settings dialog.

Create Program, File, and Folder Shortcuts via File Explorer

Another way to create application shortcuts involves File Explorer. You can also use it to create shortcuts to files and folders.

Tip:If you have trouble locating the executable of a non-Store app, right-click the program on theStart menuand selectMore>Open file location. That should take you to the shortcuts folder for the Start menu. Again, right-click the program and selectOpen file locationto bring up the application directory with the main EXE file highlighted.

Or, right-click the application file and selectSend to>Desktop (shortcut)on the contextual menu. You can also click and hold the right mouse button (not the left click), drag the item into the desktop, and selectCreate shortcuts here.

Like with application shortcuts, you can also right-click the file or folder and selectSend to>Desktop (shortcut)or simply drag it to the desktop with a right-click and choose theCreate shortcuts hereoption.

Drag and Drop URLs to Create Website Shortcuts

If you want to create a shortcut to a website or webpage, you can do that quickly by dragging and dropping the URL to the desktop.

The steps above work on Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and any other web browser you use in Windows 10 and 11.

Create Progressive Web App Shortcuts

If you use a Chromium-based browser such as Chrome or Edge, you cancreate progressive web apps (PWAs) for websitesthat appear on the desktop. PWAs feature website favicons, making them easier to distinguish from typical website shortcuts.

To install a site as an app in Chrome:

If you use Edge, just open theEdge menuand selectApps>Install this site as an app.

Use the New Shortcut Wizard

The Create Shortcut wizard is a slow but reliable tool for creating desktop shortcuts for apps. You can also add shortcuts to programs, files, folders, and websites.

What’s Next?

Now that you know how to create desktop shortcuts on your Windows 10 or 11 PC, what’s next?

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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How to Add Shortcuts to the Windows Desktop#

Add App Shortcuts via the Start Menu#

Add App Shortcuts via the Applications Folder#

Add Traditional System Shortcuts#

Create Program, File, and Folder Shortcuts via File Explorer#

Drag and Drop URLs to Create Website Shortcuts#

Create Progressive Web App Shortcuts#

Use the New Shortcut Wizard#

What’s Next?#