If you’re looking to put apps on your home screen in Windows 10, you’re in the right place! It’s a quick and easy way to access your favorite programs. All you need to do is find the app, create a shortcut, and drag it to your desktop. Let’s dive in!
How to Put Apps on Home Screen Windows 10
Getting your go-to apps right on your Windows 10 home screen can save you tons of time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to accomplish that.
Step 1: Find the app
First, click on the Start menu located at the bottom-left corner of your screen and find the app you want to add to your home screen.
When you open the Start menu, you’ll see a list of apps. You can scroll through this list or use the search bar at the top to quickly find the app. Simply type the name of the app, and it should appear in the search results.
Step 2: Right-click on the app
Next, right-click on the app you want to put on your home screen.
A context menu will pop up when you right-click the app. This menu gives you several options, including pinning the app to the Start menu or taskbar, or creating a desktop shortcut.
Step 3: Select “Create Shortcut”
Then, choose the option labeled “Create Shortcut” from the context menu.
When you select “Create Shortcut,” Windows will ask you to confirm. Click “Yes,” and a shortcut will appear on your desktop. This shortcut acts as a quick link to open the app.
Step 4: Drag the shortcut to your desktop
Finally, click and drag the new shortcut to your home screen.
It’s as simple as that! Just click and hold the shortcut, then drag it to the spot on your desktop where you want it. Release the mouse button to drop it in place.
After you complete these steps, your chosen app will be right there on your home screen. Clicking on the shortcut will open the app instantly.
Tips for Putting Apps on Home Screen Windows 10
- Search Efficiently: Use the Start menu search bar to quickly find the app you’re looking for.
- Organize Shortcuts: Group similar app shortcuts together to keep your home screen organized.
- Use Pinning: For frequently used apps, consider pinning them to the taskbar or Start menu for even easier access.
- Renaming Shortcuts: Right-click the shortcut, choose “Rename,” and give it a new name that makes more sense to you.
- Remove Unneeded Shortcuts: Right-click on any desktop shortcut and select “Delete” to remove apps you no longer need quick access to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put any app on my home screen?
Yes, you can put almost any app on your home screen, whether it’s installed from the Microsoft Store or a third-party source.
What if I accidentally delete a shortcut?
No worries! Deleting a shortcut will not uninstall the app. You can always create a new shortcut by repeating the steps outlined above.
Can I pin apps directly to the taskbar?
Absolutely! Right-click the app and choose “Pin to taskbar” from the context menu for even quicker access.
Is there a limit to how many shortcuts I can have?
Technically, there’s no hard limit, but having too many shortcuts can make your desktop cluttered and harder to navigate.
Can I change the icon of the shortcut?
Yes, right-click the shortcut, select “Properties,” go to the “Shortcut” tab, and click “Change Icon” to select a new icon.
Summary of Steps
- Find the app.
- Right-click on the app.
- Select “Create Shortcut.”
- Drag the shortcut to your desktop.
Conclusion
Putting apps on your Windows 10 home screen is a breeze and a great way to make your daily computer usage more efficient. Whether it’s your favorite game, essential work software, or a handy utility, having it right there on your desktop can save you a ton of time. Remember to keep your desktop organized and only keep shortcuts for apps you use regularly.
For further reading, you might want to look into customizing your Windows 10 experience even more by exploring themes and widgets. If you have any questions or tips of your own, drop a comment below. 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.