Windows 11 gives you several ways to put a shortcut on the desktop. The best method depends on what you are linking to: an installed app, a Microsoft Store app, a file, a folder, or a website.
A shortcut is only a link to the original item. Deleting a desktop shortcut does not uninstall an app or delete the file, folder, or webpage it opens.
Method 1: Use the New Shortcut wizard
The desktop shortcut wizard is the most flexible option. It works with applications, files, folders, commands, and websites.
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Select New > Shortcut.
- Enter the location of the item in the Type the location of the item box. You can also select Browse to find a file or folder.
- Select Next.
- Enter a name in the Type a name for this shortcut box.
- Select Finish.
Use one of these formats in the location box:
| What you want to open | Example |
|---|---|
| Folder | C:UsersYourNameDocuments |
| File | C:UsersYourNameDocumentsReport.docx |
| Website | https://www.example.com/ |
| Traditional desktop application | "C:Program FilesAppNameAppName.exe" |
If an application path contains spaces, put the path in quotation marks. Command-line switches go after the closing quotation mark. For example:
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"C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficerootOffice16excel.exe" /r "C:My Folderbook1.xlsx"Method 2: Drag an installed app from the Start menu
For many traditional desktop applications, dragging the app from the Start menu creates a desktop shortcut.
- Select Start.
- Select All to display the installed-app list.
- Find the application.
- Drag the app from the list onto an empty area of the desktop.
Windows creates a link; it does not move or reinstall the application.
Why dragging an app may not work
This technique does not work reliably with every packaged or Microsoft Store app. If nothing happens, or the app does not provide an Open file location option, use the shell:AppsFolder method below.
Method 3: Create a shortcut for a Microsoft Store app
Store and packaged apps may not have a normal executable that you can browse to. You can still create a desktop shortcut without opening the protected WindowsApps folder.
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- Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
shell:AppsFolder. - Press Enter.
- Find the app you want to add.
- Right-click the app and select Create shortcut.
- When Windows asks whether the shortcut should be placed on the desktop, select Yes.
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C:Program FilesWindowsAppsDo not change ownership or permissions on that folder just to make a shortcut. It is protected, and modifying it can interfere with Store applications. The shell:AppsFolder command is the safer route.
Method 4: Create a shortcut to a file or folder
File Explorer has a direct command for creating a desktop shortcut.
- Open File Explorer.
- Browse to the file or folder.
- Right-click it.
- Select Show more options.
- Select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
On some Windows 11 installations, Send to > Desktop (create shortcut) appears without selecting Show more options. For some file types, you may instead see Create shortcut in the classic context menu.
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Method 5: Add a website shortcut to the desktop
Use the Windows shortcut wizard
This works regardless of which browser you use.
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Select New > Shortcut.
- Enter the full address, including
https://. For example,https://www.example.com/. - Select Next.
- Enter a name for the shortcut.
- Select Finish.
Drag the site icon from a browser
- Open the webpage.
- Resize the browser window so part of the desktop is visible.
- Click and hold the View site information icon beside the address. Depending on the browser, this may look like a padlock or sliders.
- Drag the icon onto the desktop and release it.
This creates an Internet shortcut. Opening it normally launches the page in your default browser.
Create a shortcut from Google Chrome
- Open the webpage in Chrome.
- Select More, the three-dot button in the upper-right corner.
- Select Cast, save, and share.
- Select Create shortcut….
- Choose the shortcut name.
- Select Create.
Create a shortcut from Firefox
- Open the webpage in Firefox.
- Click and hold the padlock or site-information icon on the left side of the address bar.
- Drag it to the desktop.
- Release the mouse button.
The shortcut opens in the computer’s default browser, which may not be Firefox.
What to do if the shortcut is not visible
Turn desktop icons back on
Windows may be hiding all desktop icons rather than failing to create the shortcut.
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Select View.
- Make sure Show desktop icons is checked.
This setting hides shortcuts; it does not delete them.
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Check other virtual desktops
Windows 11 supports multiple virtual desktops. Press Windows key + Tab and check whether the shortcut was created or moved on another desktop.
Check the OneDrive desktop folder
If OneDrive is backing up or redirecting your Desktop folder, the active desktop may be stored under a OneDrive path rather than only under your local user profile. Open File Explorer and select Desktop in the navigation pane to locate the folder currently being used.
Rename, move, or delete a desktop shortcut
| Task | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Rename | Right-click the shortcut and select Rename, or select it and press F2. |
| Move | Drag it to another place on the desktop or into a desktop folder. |
| Delete | Right-click it and select Delete, or drag it to the Recycle Bin. |
Deleting the shortcut removes only the link. It does not delete the original file or folder, and it does not uninstall an application.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Desktop shortcut mistakes to avoid
- Pin to Start and Pin to taskbar do not create desktop icons. They add access points to those other Windows locations.
- Not every app can be dragged from the Start menu. Packaged apps may require
shell:AppsFolder. - You do not need to open or modify
C:Program FilesWindowsAppsto create a Store-app shortcut. - A shortcut is not a duplicate of the original file. It is a small link that points to the original location.
FAQ
What is the quickest way to create a desktop shortcut in Windows 11?
Right-click an empty area of the desktop, select New > Shortcut, enter the file path, folder path, command, or website address, and then select Next and Finish.
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How do I create a shortcut for a Microsoft Store app?
Press Windows key + R, enter shell:AppsFolder, and press Enter. Right-click the app, select Create shortcut, and choose Yes when Windows offers to place it on the desktop.
Why can’t I drag an app from Start to the desktop?
Some packaged or Microsoft Store apps do not support Start-menu drag-and-drop. Use the shell:AppsFolder method instead.
Does deleting a desktop shortcut delete the original file?
No. Deleting a shortcut removes only the link. The original file, folder, or application remains in place.
How do I make a website shortcut on the Windows 11 desktop?
Use New > Shortcut and enter the complete address beginning with https://. You can also drag the site-information icon from a browser’s address bar onto the desktop.
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Right-click the desktop, select View, and confirm that Show desktop icons is checked. Also check other virtual desktops with Windows key + Tab and look under the Desktop folder in File Explorer if OneDrive backup is enabled.
The Bottom Line
For most items, use New > Shortcut or File Explorer’s Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). For a Store or packaged app, press Windows key + R, run shell:AppsFolder, and create the shortcut from there. Avoid changing the protected WindowsApps folder.
