how to put apps on desktop windows 11
Want to make your favorite apps easily accessible on Windows 11? Putting apps on your desktop is a breeze. You can create shortcuts to any app, making it just a click away. Here’s a quick guide: Right-click the app in your Start menu, select "More," then select "Open file location." Right-click the app’s file, choose "Send to," and click "Desktop (create shortcut)." Done!
How to Put Apps on Desktop Windows 11
This section will guide you through the steps to place app shortcuts on your Windows 11 desktop, making them easily accessible.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click the Start button on your taskbar.
The Start menu is the gateway to all your apps. Clicking the Start button, which looks like a Windows logo, will open up a menu where you can find all your applications.
Step 2: Find Your App
Scroll through the list or use the search bar to locate the app you want on your desktop.
Browsing through the list can be time-consuming if you have many apps, so using the search bar at the top of the Start menu can save you some hassle. Just type in the app’s name and it should pop up quickly.
Step 3: Right-Click the App
Right-click on the app you want to create a shortcut for.
When you right-click on the app, a context menu appears with several options. This is where the magic begins.
Step 4: Select "More"
From the context menu, hover over "More" to reveal additional options.
The "More" option will give you access to more actions related to the app, like opening its file location.
Step 5: Open File Location
Click "Open file location" from the extended menu.
Opening the file location takes you directly to where the app’s executable file is stored. This is necessary because you can’t create a desktop shortcut directly from the Start menu.
Step 6: Create Desktop Shortcut
Right-click the app’s file, select "Send to," and then click "Desktop (create shortcut)."
By selecting "Send to" and then "Desktop (create shortcut)," you instruct Windows to create a shortcut for the app on your desktop. Now, you can access your favorite apps with just a double-click.
After completing these steps, you’ll see an icon for your app on the desktop. You can now quickly access it without navigating through menus.
Tips for How to Put Apps on Desktop Windows 11
- Use the Search Bar: If you have many apps, the search bar in the Start menu can save you time.
- Pin to Start or Taskbar: Right-click the app and select "Pin to Start" or "Pin to taskbar" for easier access without creating desktop clutter.
- Rename Shortcuts: After creating the shortcut, you can rename it by right-clicking the icon and selecting "Rename."
- Organize Your Desktop: Keep your desktop tidy by grouping related apps together.
- Backup Shortcuts: If you create many shortcuts, consider backing them up in case you need to reset or reinstall Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put any app on my Windows 11 desktop?
Yes, you can create shortcuts for almost any app, including web apps and traditional desktop applications.
What if the "Open file location" option is grayed out?
Some apps do not allow direct access to their file locations. In such cases, use the search bar to find the app’s executable file manually.
Can I remove the shortcut later?
Absolutely! Just right-click the shortcut on your desktop and select "Delete."
Will creating shortcuts affect my computer’s performance?
No, shortcuts are small files and will not impact your computer’s performance.
Can I move the shortcut to a folder on the desktop?
Yes, you can drag the shortcut into any folder on your desktop or even create new folders to organize your shortcuts better.
Summary
- Open the Start Menu.
- Find your app.
- Right-click the app.
- Select "More."
- Open file location.
- Create desktop shortcut.
Conclusion
Putting apps on your desktop in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can make your computing experience more efficient. By creating shortcuts, you can access your favorite apps quickly, bypassing the need to navigate through multiple menus. For further reading, you can explore more about Windows 11 features and customization options to make the most out of your desktop environment.
Remember, your desktop is your personal space in the digital world. Organize it in a way that makes sense to you. By following these easy steps, you’ll have a cleaner, more organized workspace that boosts your productivity.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start creating those shortcuts!