Want to quickly access your email from your Windows 11 desktop? Adding a mail icon to your desktop can make it easier to jump into your mail app without any hassle. You just need to locate the app you want to create a shortcut for, drag it to the desktop, and voilà! Your mail icon will be sitting there, ready for your next email check.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on Putting Mail Icon on Desktop Windows 11
This guide will help you create a shortcut for your mail app on your Windows 11 desktop, making email access as easy as pie.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen to open the Start Menu.
Opening the Start Menu is your first step to accessing your list of apps. It’s like the control center of your Windows 11 system.
Step 2: Locate the Mail App
Type “Mail” into the search bar at the top of the Start Menu.
By searching for “Mail,” you can quickly find the app without scrolling through all your applications. It’s like using a GPS to find the fastest route.
Step 3: Right-click the Mail App
Once you see the Mail app in search results, right-click on it.
Right-clicking is like tapping on the app’s shoulder to see a few options pop up, one of which will be creating a shortcut.
Step 4: Select ‘Open file location’
From the right-click menu, choose ‘Open file location.’
Selecting ‘Open file location’ takes you to where the app’s shortcut lives, which is like finding the key to your car in the drawer.
Step 5: Create a Desktop Shortcut
Right-click the Mail app’s shortcut in the new window and select ‘Send to’ > ‘Desktop (create shortcut).’
This action places a shortcut on your desktop, like pinning a note to your corkboard for quick access.
After completing these steps, you’ll see the mail icon on your desktop. Clicking it will open your mail app, allowing you to dive straight into your emails without any detours.
Tips on Putting Mail Icon on Desktop Windows 11
- You can create shortcuts for other apps using the same steps.
- If the mail app icon looks too small, right-click it and use ‘View’ to adjust the size.
- Renaming the shortcut by right-clicking and selecting ‘Rename’ can help you keep your desktop organized.
- Consider grouping related icons together using folders on the desktop.
- Regularly clean up your desktop to avoid clutter and improve your system’s speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a shortcut for any app using this method?
Yes, you can use the same method to create shortcuts for almost any app installed on your computer.
What do I do if the mail app doesn’t appear in the search?
Ensure your Mail app is installed by checking the Microsoft Store. If it’s not, you can download it for free.
How do I remove the mail icon if I change my mind?
Simply right-click the icon on your desktop and select ‘Delete.’ This action only removes the shortcut, not the app itself.
Can I change the icon image of the mail shortcut?
Yes, right-click the icon, choose ‘Properties,’ then ‘Change Icon’ to select a different image.
Will creating a shortcut slow down my computer?
No, creating a shortcut does not affect your computer’s performance as it’s merely a pointer to the actual application.
Summary
- Open the Start Menu.
- Locate the Mail App.
- Right-click the Mail App.
- Select ‘Open file location.’
- Create a Desktop Shortcut.
Conclusion
Adding a mail icon to your desktop on Windows 11 is a handy trick to streamline your email access. It’s like setting up a shortcut on your way home to avoid traffic. By following the steps we’ve outlined, you’ll have a clutter-free and efficient way to jump right into your emails whenever you need.
Whether you’re a busy professional or a student keeping up with assignments, having direct access to your mail can save time and keep you organized. If you’re interested in personalizing your desktop even more, consider exploring other customization options within Windows 11.
Shortcuts aren’t just for your desktop. Think about your life’s daily processes and identify areas where you can introduce shortcuts to improve efficiency. For more tips and tricks on making the most of your Windows 11 experience, stay tuned for updates, or feel free to explore additional resources that delve into more advanced customization techniques.
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.