How to Create Shortcut on Desktop in Windows 11

In today’s fast-paced digital world, quick access to essential apps, files, and folders can significantly boost productivity. If you’re using Windows 11, one of the simplest ways to streamline your workflow is by creating desktop shortcuts. Desktop shortcuts are icons that let you launch applications, open folders, access websites, or even execute commands with just a double-click — all without navigating deep into your file system. Whether you want to access Microsoft Word quickly or open your favorite music folder, placing a shortcut on the desktop gives you one-click convenience.

Windows 11 retains the ease of creating shortcuts like previous versions of Windows, though its modern interface may initially confuse users unfamiliar with the latest design. This guide walks you through every method available to create desktop shortcuts in Windows 11, covering everything from apps and files to URLs and control panel items. By the end, you’ll know how to make your desktop truly work for you.

Why Use Desktop Shortcuts?

Creating desktop shortcuts provides several advantages:

• Quick access: Open frequently used apps or files instantly.
• Customization: Arrange your workspace to suit your habits.
• Productivity: Reduce clicks and time spent navigating folders.
• Organization: Group related apps or documents in one visual spot.

Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, shortcuts help you optimize your PC experience.

Method 1: Create Shortcut for an App from the Start Menu

One of the easiest ways to create an app shortcut is directly from the Start Menu.

Steps:

1. Open the Start Menu by clicking the Windows icon on the taskbar.
2. Find the app you want to create a shortcut for (scroll or search by name).
3. Right-click on the app.
4. Click “Open file location.”
   • Note: If “Open file location” is grayed out, it may be a modern app. Use Method 2 below.
5. A File Explorer window will open with the app’s shortcut.
6. Right-click on this shortcut.
7. Select “Send to” > “Desktop (create shortcut).”

You’ll now see the app icon on your desktop, ready to launch.

Method 2: Create Shortcut for a Microsoft Store App

Some modern apps installed via the Microsoft Store don’t have a visible file location. Use this method for apps like Netflix, Spotify, or Xbox.

Steps:

1. Open the Start Menu and locate the Store app.
2. Drag the app icon directly from the Start Menu to the desktop.
3. Release the mouse — this creates a working shortcut.

This drag-and-drop method is perfect for modern app tiles.

Method 3: Create Shortcut for Any File or Folder

Want a quick way to access your Documents, Projects folder, or a specific file?

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
2. Navigate to the folder or file you want to shortcut.
3. Right-click on it.
4. Select “Show more options” > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

You’ll instantly get a shortcut on the desktop for the selected file or folder.

Method 4: Create a Shortcut Manually via Right-Click

This gives you more control — including entering URLs or special commands.

Steps:

1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop.
2. Select New > Shortcut from the context menu.
3. A Create Shortcut wizard will appear.
4. Enter the location of the item:
   • Example: C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
   • Or for a website: https://www.bing.com
5. Click Next.
6. Name the shortcut (e.g., “Bing Search” or “Chrome”).
7. Click Finish.

This method is ideal for custom programs, commands, or links.

Method 5: Create Shortcut to a Website

Access websites quickly with a shortcut that opens in your default browser.

Steps:

1. Open your web browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox).
2. Go to the website you want to create a shortcut for.
3. Resize the browser window so you can also see your desktop.
4. Drag the padlock icon (left of the address bar) onto the desktop.
5. A shortcut will appear instantly.

Double-clicking it opens the site directly in your browser.

Method 6: Shortcut for Control Panel Items or Settings

You can also create shortcuts for items like “Device Manager,” “Sound Settings,” or “Network Connections.”

Example for Device Manager:

1. Right-click on desktop > New > Shortcut.
2. In the location box, type: CopyEditdevmgmt.msc
3. Click Next.
4. Name it Device Manager.
5. Click Finish.

To create settings-related shortcuts, use this format:

arduinoCopyEditms-settings:display

Other examples:

• ms-settings:bluetooth (Bluetooth settings)
• ms-settings:network (Network settings)

Method 7: Use Shell Commands for System Tools

Windows has internal “shell:” commands that open special folders or tools.

Example – Create Recycle Bin Shortcut:

1. Right-click on desktop > New > Shortcut.
2. Type: explorer.exe shell:RecycleBinFolder
3. Click Next > Name it Recycle Bin > Finish.

Other shell commands:

• shell:Startup (opens Startup folder)
• shell:Downloads (Downloads folder)

Customize the Shortcut Icon (Optional)

You can personalize any shortcut icon for better visual identification.

Steps:

1. Right-click the shortcut and select Properties.
2. Under the Shortcut tab, click Change Icon.
3. Choose an icon from the list or browse for .ico files.
4. Click OK, then Apply.

Organize Shortcuts with Folders

If you use many shortcuts, your desktop can get cluttered. Group them using folders:

Steps:

1. Right-click on the desktop > New > Folder.
2. Name the folder (e.g., “Work Apps” or “Games”).
3. Drag related shortcuts into this folder.

This helps reduce clutter while maintaining accessibility.

Keyboard Shortcut for Desktop Shortcuts

After creating a desktop shortcut, you can assign a keyboard combination:

Steps:

1. Right-click on the shortcut > Properties.
2. Under Shortcut, find the Shortcut key field.
3. Click in the field and press a key (e.g., C).
4. Windows will auto-assign Ctrl + Alt + C as the hotkey.
5. Click Apply > OK.

You can now launch that app or file using the keyboard combo.

Final Thoughts

Creating shortcuts on the desktop in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to enhance your digital workspace. Whether you want to open apps, access folders, or visit websites quickly, a shortcut allows you to bypass multiple clicks and save precious time. With several methods available — from Start Menu dragging to manually crafting custom paths — Windows 11 offers flexibility for both novice and advanced users. Organizing shortcuts into folders or changing their icons further personalizes your experience.

As your workflow evolves, so can your desktop. Feel free to experiment with shortcut placement and customization. The trick lies in finding what’s most efficient for your daily use. With the tips provided in this guide, you now have everything you need to keep your most-used tools just a click (or keyboard shortcut) away. So go ahead — make your desktop a command center tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I delete a shortcut without deleting the actual app or file?

Yes. Deleting a desktop shortcut does not remove the original app, file, or folder. It only removes the quick-access icon.

2. How can I tell if something is a shortcut?

Shortcuts typically have a small arrow in the bottom-left corner of the icon. Also, if you check its Properties, you’ll see a Target field — which indicates the item it points to.

3. Why is “Send to Desktop” missing from the right-click menu?

If “Send to Desktop (create shortcut)” is missing, try:

• Clicking “Show more options” in the context menu.
• Restarting Windows Explorer via Task Manager.
• Re-registering the “SendTo” folder by typing %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo in Run (Win + R).