Moving apps to your desktop on Windows 11 is a breeze! Just find the app you want in the Start menu, right-click on it, and select “More” followed by “Open file location.” When the file location opens, right-click on the app and choose “Send to,” then “Desktop (create shortcut).” And voilà, your app’s shortcut is now on the desktop, ready for easy access whenever you need it.
Moving Apps to Desktop on Windows 11
In this section, we’ll guide you through the steps to move your favorite apps to the desktop on Windows 11 for quick and easy access.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Start by clicking on the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
This will bring up the Start menu, where you can find all your installed apps. You’ll see a mixture of pinned apps and a list you can scroll through.
Step 2: Find the App
Type the name of the app you want to move into the search bar at the top of the Start menu.
This search feature quickly filters out the clutter and lets you zero in on your chosen app. It saves you the hassle of scrolling through every single app.
Step 3: Right-click the App
Once you find the app, right-click on it to open a dropdown menu.
Right-clicking an app in Windows 11 provides you with a variety of options, including pinning it to the taskbar, uninstalling, or finding its location.
Step 4: Open File Location
Choose “More” and then select “Open file location” from the dropdown menu.
Opening the file location reveals the app’s shortcut in the system directory. It’s like finding the app’s home base!
Step 5: Create Desktop Shortcut
Right-click the app in the file location window, select “Send to,” and then choose “Desktop (create shortcut).”
This step creates a shortcut directly on your desktop, making it easy to launch your favorite apps with a double-click.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll see the app’s icon on your desktop. Now, you can open your app with just a double-click anytime you want. It’s a nifty way to keep your most-used apps right at your fingertips!
Tips for Moving Apps to Desktop on Windows 11
- Use the search bar in the Start menu to quickly locate the app you want.
- If “Open file location” is not available, the app might be a Microsoft Store app, which you can pin to the Start menu instead.
- Consider organizing your desktop shortcuts into folders if you have many apps for a cleaner look.
- Regularly review your desktop shortcuts to ensure they reflect your current app usage.
- Use a consistent naming convention for your shortcuts to make finding them easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move any app to the desktop?
Not all apps can be moved directly. Some Microsoft Store apps don’t offer an “Open file location” option, but you can pin them to the Start menu or the taskbar instead.
What if I accidentally delete a desktop shortcut?
No worries! Deleting a shortcut doesn’t uninstall the app. You can recreate it by following the steps above.
Can I move multiple apps to the desktop at once?
Yes, you can! Simply repeat the steps for each app you want to move to the desktop.
Will moving apps to the desktop affect their performance?
No, shortcuts on the desktop do not impact app performance. They merely provide quick access.
How can I remove a desktop shortcut?
Right-click the shortcut and select “Delete.” This action only removes the shortcut, not the app itself.
Summary
- Open the Start menu.
- Find the app.
- Right-click the app.
- Open file location.
- Create desktop shortcut.
Conclusion
Congratulations on mastering the art of moving apps to your desktop on Windows 11! With just a few simple steps, you’ve made accessing your favorite apps quicker and more convenient. Whether you’re a gamer wanting easy access to your games, a professional needing quick entry to work tools, or just someone who loves organization, having your apps on the desktop can make your digital life a little bit smoother.
Moving apps to the desktop not only declutters your Start menu but also optimizes your workflow. Think of your desktop as the front door to your home, leading straight to what you love and use most. Keep exploring all the cool features Windows 11 has to offer, and don’t be afraid to customize your experience. After all, your computer should work for you, not the other way around.
As you continue to personalize your desktop, you might find other ways to streamline your work and play. Happy organizing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.