To put a Netflix icon on your desktop, the simplest method on any version of Windows is a website shortcut. Right-click an empty area of the desktop, choose New > Shortcut, type https://www.netflix.com, click Next, name it Netflix, and click Finish. Double-clicking it opens Netflix in your default browser. On Windows 10 and 11, you can also install Netflix as an app from your browser (Edge or Chrome), which creates a desktop icon that opens Netflix in its own window.
Below are all the methods, including how to give the shortcut the Netflix logo icon, plus a note for Windows 7 users.
Method 1: Create a desktop shortcut (any Windows version)
- Right-click an empty spot on the desktop and choose New > Shortcut.
- Type https://www.netflix.com in the location box and click Next.
- Type Netflix as the name and click Finish.
You can also drag the padlock icon from your browser’s address bar (while on netflix.com) onto the desktop to create the same kind of shortcut.
Method 2: Install Netflix as an app from Microsoft Edge
- Open netflix.com in Microsoft Edge and sign in.
- Click Settings and more (three dots) > Apps > Install this site as an app.
- Click Install. In the next window, check Create Desktop shortcut and click Allow.
Method 3: Create a shortcut from Google Chrome
- Open netflix.com in Chrome.
- Click the three dots > Cast, save, and share > Create shortcut (on older versions, More tools > Create shortcut).
- Check Open as window if you want it to look like an app, and click Create.
Chrome places the icon on your desktop and in the Start menu.
Method 4: Use the Netflix app (Windows 10 and 11)
Netflix offers an app in the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and 11. After installing it:
- Click Start and find Netflix in the app list.
- Drag it onto the desktop to create a shortcut, or right-click it and choose Pin to taskbar.
The app’s features and availability can change, so if you don’t see it in the Store in your region, use Method 2 or 3 instead.
Give your shortcut the Netflix icon
- Save a Netflix icon file (.ico) to your PC, for example in your Pictures folder.
- Right-click the desktop shortcut and choose Properties.
- On the Web Document tab (or Shortcut tab), click Change Icon, browse to the .ico file, and click OK.
Shortcuts created from Edge or Chrome usually get the Netflix icon automatically.
A note for Windows 7 users
Method 1 still works on Windows 7. However, Windows 7 no longer gets security updates, and current browsers no longer support it, so Netflix may not play reliably. Upgrading to a supported version of Windows, or using a smart TV or streaming device, gives a better and safer experience.
Frequently asked questions
Can I download Netflix movies on a PC?
Downloads have only been available in the Netflix app on some platforms, and Netflix has changed this feature for Windows over time. Check the Netflix Help Center for what’s currently supported on your device.
Why does my shortcut open the wrong browser?
It uses your default browser. Change it in Settings > Apps > Default apps.
How do I remove the Netflix icon?
Right-click it and choose Delete. This only removes the shortcut, not your Netflix account or app.
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.