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To create a basic website link on your Windows 11 desktop, right-click the desktop, select New > Shortcut, and follow the prompts with the page’s URL. To create an app-style shortcut managed by Edge, install the site as an app, then open edge://apps and choose Details > Create Desktop shortcut for that site.
Choose the type of website shortcut
| Route | Best for | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Edge install as app | Opening a site in a dedicated, app-style window | An installed site entry in Edge, with an option to create a desktop shortcut |
| Windows New > Shortcut | A basic link without installing the site as an app | A desktop shortcut to the web page |
Create an Edge desktop shortcut for a site app
- Open Microsoft Edge and navigate to the website or page.
- Select Settings and more (…), then More tools > Apps > Install this site as an app. Edge may also show an install prompt for a Progressive Web App (PWA).
- Complete the installation prompts.
- In Edge, enter edge://apps in the address bar.
- Find the site’s app card, select Details, then select Create Desktop shortcut.
Microsoft documents installing any website through the menu; a site does not have to be a PWA. A site installed as an app opens in a dedicated window, but that does not mean it has all the capabilities of a PWA. From the app page, Edge also offers options such as pinning an app to the taskbar or Start.
Create a basic website shortcut with Windows
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Select New > Shortcut.
- Follow the wizard prompts to enter the full web address, including https://, and select Next.
- Enter a name for the shortcut and select Finish.
This creates a link to the web page without installing it as an Edge app. The link opens according to your Windows default-app settings.
Pin a website for quick access
If you want quick access rather than a desktop icon, open the website in Edge and use More tools > Pin to Start. Edge also provides app pinning options from edge://apps.
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FAQ
How do I create a desktop shortcut to a website in Edge?
For a basic link, use Windows’ New > Shortcut wizard and enter the page URL. For an app-style shortcut, install the site as an app in Edge, then go to edge://apps > Details > Create Desktop shortcut.
Does a website need to be a PWA to install it as an Edge app?
No. Microsoft documents installing any website as an app through Edge’s menu. A PWA may provide capabilities that a site installed as an app does not necessarily have.
What is the difference between a website link and an installed site app?
A basic shortcut is a link to a web page. An installed site app has an entry in Edge and opens in a dedicated window; it does not necessarily have PWA capabilities.
Can I pin a website instead of creating a desktop shortcut?
Yes. Edge offers a Pin to Start option under More tools. For installed sites, Edge also offers pinning options on edge://apps.
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