Putting apps on your desktop in Windows 11 is a breeze! All you need to do is locate the app you want, right-click on it, and select “Show more options” to find the “Send to” menu. From there, choose “Desktop (create shortcut)” and voila! Your app will now have a shortcut on your Windows 11 desktop.
How to Put Apps on Desktop Windows 11
In this guide, you’ll learn how to easily add app shortcuts to your desktop in Windows 11. This allows you to quickly access your favorite programs without navigating through menus.
Step 1: Open the Start menu
To begin, click on the Start button located at the bottom-left corner of your screen.
The start menu is where you’ll find all your apps and programs. By clicking on it, you’ll open a list of apps available on your computer.
Step 2: Find the app you want to add
Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the specific app.
If you have a lot of apps installed, using the search bar can be a lifesaver. Just type in the name of the app, and it should pop right up.
Step 3: Right-click on the app
Once you’ve located the app, right-click on its icon to open a context menu.
Right-clicking brings up various options for managing the app, like pinning it to the taskbar or opening its file location.
Step 4: Select “Show more options”
In the context menu, click on “Show more options” to expand your choices.
This will provide you with the old-school context menu that many are familiar with from previous versions of Windows.
Step 5: Click on “Send to” and choose “Desktop (create shortcut)”
Navigate to the “Send to” menu and select “Desktop (create shortcut)” from the submenu.
This action will create a shortcut to the app and place it directly on your desktop, making it easily accessible.
After completing these steps, you’ll find a new shortcut for your chosen app on your Windows 11 desktop. Now you can double-click it anytime you want to open the app quickly!
Tips for How to Put Apps on Desktop Windows 11
- Use the search bar: If you can’t find the app, type its name in the Start menu search bar.
- Organize your shortcuts: Group related apps together to keep your desktop tidy.
- Rename the shortcut: Right-click the new desktop shortcut and select “Rename” to give it a custom name.
- Pin to taskbar: For frequently used apps, consider pinning them to the taskbar for even quicker access.
- Backup your shortcuts: Save a copy of your desktop shortcuts to an external drive for easy restoration if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add system apps to the desktop?
Absolutely! You can add shortcuts for system apps like File Explorer, Control Panel, or Settings just like any other app.
What if I don’t see “Show more options”?
If “Show more options” doesn’t appear, try right-clicking again or ensure that the app is fully installed and not a web app.
How do I remove a desktop shortcut?
Simply right-click on the shortcut and select “Delete.” This will remove the shortcut from your desktop without uninstalling the app.
Can I create shortcuts for web apps?
Yes, you can. For most browsers, you can create a desktop shortcut by dragging the URL to your desktop or using the “Save to desktop” feature.
Is there a limit to how many shortcuts I can add?
Technically, no. However, adding too many can clutter your desktop and make it harder to find specific apps.
Summary
- Open the Start menu.
- Find the app you want to add.
- Right-click on the app.
- Select “Show more options.”
- Click on “Send to” and choose “Desktop (create shortcut).”
Conclusion
Putting apps on your desktop in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to boost your productivity. Not only does it save you time, but it also makes your most-used apps just a double-click away. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who loves a tidy desktop, these quick steps can make your digital life a bit easier.
For more tips and tricks, consider exploring other features of Windows 11. There are so many ways to customize your experience and make your computer work better for you. Happy computing!
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.