After installing any application or program on your computer, everyone prefers an easy way to open it whenever needed. This is where desktop shortcuts come in handy. However, in the case of Windows 11, some applications and installations don't automatically get a desktop shortcut upon completion of the installation, especially in the case of applications downloaded from the Microsoft Store. Therefore, we present you with a perfect guide that will teach you how to create a shortcut. Desktop Shortcuts on Windows 11.
How to Create Desktop Shortcuts on Windows 11
Many applications do not work well with the Start menu, so it becomes very necessary to create a desktop shortcut in Windows 11. In this article, we will combine some of the ways you can add file and application shortcuts to your desktop, and looking into it, let's move on.
Can we create a desktop shortcut manually on Windows 11?
Adding a shortcut to your desktop is a bit trickier in Windows 11 than in Windows 10, but it's not impossible. There are several ways to manually add a shortcut to your desktop. These can be done through the Start menu, File Explorer, and other methods. To help you do the same, we've compiled a collection of methods that will help you add file and application shortcuts to your desktop.
Method 1: Drag apps from the Start menu
If the application or program is visible in the start menu, you can simply use the drag method to bring it to the desktop which will create its shortcut.
1. Click START YOUR and click Option All applications.
Note: You can also locate apps from the Installed section.
2. Drag the app from the list. "Start" To desktop.
You'll find the selected file's icon on your desktop, then drag it to the desired location on the desktop. You can also right-click an empty space on the desktop and use the Sort By option to arrange the desktop shortcuts.
The second method: Through File Explorer
Another way to create a desktop shortcut for your application or program is to specify its installation location in the File Explorer directory. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Click Search code , And type Power point , and click the down arrow icon as shown in the image below.
2. Here, select the option open the file location.
3. Right-click on the file. POWERPNT.exe and select Show more options.
4. Then click Send to and select an option Desktop (create shortcut).
After completing these steps, a shortcut icon will appear on your desktop, which can be arranged as desired.
The third method: Through the applications folder
Shortcuts can also be created by performing certain steps through the Command Prompt. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press the . key Windows , And type Command Prompt , and click Run as administrator.
2. Write explorer shell: AppsFolder command and press the key Enter.
3. Right click on The application (Such as Adobe Photoshop 2022) and select Create shortcut option.
Check your desktop and you will find Application/Program Abbreviation With a list of other shortcuts.
Method 4: Through the Shortcut Creation Wizard
If you want to create desktop shortcuts in Windows 11 for a specific application, there's another way to manually create a desktop shortcut for a file or application using the context menu. Here are the steps to do this:
1. Right click on The application (Such as Dreamweaver) and select an option Copy as path.
2. Then go to your desktop and right click on the empty space.
3. Here, scroll to New and select an option abbreviation from the context menu.
4. Now, paste the copied application path under Type the location of the item section. Then press the button. next one.
5. Finally, type a name for this shortcut and click the button. "ending".
An application shortcut will be created on your desktop.
Method 5: Through the Registry Editor
To create desktop shortcuts in Windows 11, adding an application shortcut key in the Registry Editor can also be a useful method. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press the keys Windows + R Together to open the dialog box "employment".
2. Here, type regedit And click "OK" , As shown below.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location path from the address bar:
Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell
4. Right-click on the folder. shell , mouse hover over New , Then select Key
5. Rename this key folder to The name of the application (Such as Photoshop) which you want to create a shortcut for.
6. Now right click on Photoshop folder Hover over New , Then select Key.
7. Rename the newly created key folder as command.
8. Next, open File Explorer Copy the application path as shown in method 4.
9. Return to the window Registry Editor Click on the command key folder.
10. Here, double-click on the value. (hypothetical) As shown in the image below.
11. Now, paste the copied application path into the Value Data section. Refer to the screenshot below.
The shortcut will now appear in the right-click context menu on the desktop and can be accessed when needed.
Pro Tip: How to Set Desktop Icons
If you don't get an icon for a specific shortcut on your desktop, you can modify your desktop icon settings. Read our guide on how to do this. How to Change Desktop Icons on Windows 11
We hope we were able to suggest some useful methods for creating desktop shortcuts on Windows 11 and that you were able to find the best method for your computer. Let us know in the comments section below which method worked for you, and if you encounter any other issues related to desktop shortcuts, mention them in the comments section below and feel free to contact us.
