Getting apps onto your Windows 11 desktop is a breeze! First, find the app in the Start menu, right-click it, select ‘Show More Options,’ and then click ‘Send to Desktop (create shortcut).’ And voilà! The app icon will magically appear on your desktop. Whether you’re organizing your workspace or making your favorite apps more accessible, these steps will help you customize your desktop without breaking a sweat.
Putting Apps on Desktop Windows 11
Here’s a step-by-step guide to putting apps on your Windows 11 desktop. By the end, you’ll have the shortcuts right where you want them, ready for action.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
To begin, click the Start button on the bottom left of your screen.
The Start menu is your gateway to all the apps installed on your computer. From here, you can access any app you need and prepare it for desktop placement.
Step 2: Locate the App
Step 2, search for the app you want to add to the desktop by scrolling or typing its name in the search bar.
Finding the app is as easy as pie. The search bar is your friend—just type in the name, and Windows will sift through your apps to find the right one.
Step 3: Right-Click the App
Step 3, right-click on the app icon once you’ve found it.
Right-clicking opens a menu of options. This is where the magic happens, allowing you to manipulate the app directly from the Start menu.
Step 4: Show More Options
Step 4, select ‘Show More Options’ from the menu that appears.
Windows 11 has streamlined its right-click menu. ‘Show More Options’ will reveal additional actions you can take with the app.
Step 5: Send to Desktop
Step 5, click on ‘Send to Desktop (create shortcut).’
With a simple click here, you’re instructing Windows to place a shortcut on your desktop. This process won’t move or delete the app from its original location.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the app’s icon will appear on your desktop, ready for you to double-click and open. This shortcut provides quick access, saving you from navigating menus each time you want to use the app.
Tips for Putting Apps on Desktop Windows 11
- Use the search bar in the Start menu for quicker access to apps.
- Organize your desktop by grouping similar app shortcuts together.
- Create folders on your desktop to keep it tidy if you have many apps.
- Consider using the taskbar for frequently used apps, which keeps your desktop less cluttered.
- Remember, creating a desktop shortcut does not uninstall or move the app from its original place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the shortcut without uninstalling the app?
Yes, deleting the shortcut from your desktop doesn’t affect the original app. You can simply right-click the shortcut and select ‘Delete.’
How do I move the shortcut around on my desktop?
Click and drag the app icon to your desired location on the desktop. Release the mouse button to drop it in place.
Is it possible to add a shortcut for a web app?
Absolutely! Open the web app in your browser, click on the three dots in the upper right corner, select ‘More tools,’ then ‘Create shortcut.’
Can I rename the shortcut on my desktop?
Yes, right-click the shortcut, select ‘Rename,’ and type in the new name you prefer.
How do I add a shortcut to the taskbar instead?
Right-click the app in the Start menu and select ‘Pin to taskbar.’
Summary
- Open Start Menu.
- Locate the App.
- Right-Click the App.
- Show More Options.
- Send to Desktop.
Conclusion
Putting apps on your Windows 11 desktop has never been simpler. With just a few clicks, you can tailor your workspace to fit your needs, keeping your most-used apps at your fingertips. The beauty of creating shortcuts is that it doesn’t affect where or how the app runs; it just gives you a faster way to get there.
By organizing your desktop, you’re not only saving time but also creating a more efficient workflow. Consider exploring other ways to personalize your Windows 11 experience, such as customizing your taskbar or even your Start menu layout. The possibilities are endless, just like crafting a masterpiece.
If you’re a power user, you may find joy in a perfectly tailored desktop environment. And if you’re new to Windows 11, these steps are a great introduction to the many ways you can make the operating system work for you. Happy customizing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.