Adding frequently used applications and folders to your desktop can add a lot of convenience to your table. Desktop shortcuts allow you to access Applications and programs Your favorites without digging through complicated guides. That's why Windows 11 offers several different ways to create desktop shortcuts on Windows 11. We'll cover all of these methods and more in this post. So let's get started.
1. Drag and drop from the start menu
Perhaps the easiest way to add an application as a desktop shortcut is to drag and drop it from the Start menu. Here's how.
Step 1: Open start menu and click All apps in the upper right.
Step 2: Scroll down to select Application site which you want to add as a shortcut on your desktop. Drag and drop the app on the desktop.
2. Use the Applications folder
Once you start creating shortcuts from the Start menu, you'll notice that some Windows apps and programs don't appear on the Start menu. You'll need to place the missing apps and programs in the Applications folder on Windows. Here's how.
Step 1: Click on Windows key + S To open Window Search , And type cmd , And press Enter.
Step 2: Type The order below And press Enter.
explorer shell: AppsFolder
Step 3: in window Applications that appears, right-click on The application and select create Shortcut from the list.
3. Use the context menu
Another way to create desktop shortcuts is through context menuNot only does it let you create shortcuts for apps, but it also lets you create your own files and folders.
Step 1: Click on Windows key + E to turn on File Explorer on WindowsNavigate to the file, folder, or program you want to add to your desktop. Right-click it and select Show more options.
Step 2: in context menu , expand send to , and select Desktop option (create shortcut).
That's all. Windows will add your file, folder, or program as a shortcut to your desktop.
4. Shortcut Wizard
The Shortcut Wizard lets you create an application shortcut directly from your desktop. Besides applications and folders, you can also use the Shortcut Wizard to create a desktop shortcut to a website. Here's how.
Step 1: Right click anywhere on the empty space on desktop , and go to New , and select Abbreviation.
Step 2: in Shortcut Wizard , click the . button "review" To locate the file, folder, or application shortcut you want to add as a desktop shortcut.
Alternatively, you can also Enter URL For the website in the box to create Abbreviation for website.
Step 3: Click on next one.
Step 4: Type a suitable name for the shortcut and click "ending".
Windows will add the selected file, folder, or application as a shortcut to your desktop.
5. Use the Registry Editor
Apart from the above methods, you can also use the Registry Editor on Windows to create desktop shortcuts for various applications and folders.
It's important to know that the Registry Editor holds important settings for Windows and its applications. Therefore, you should only use this method if you are familiar with it. Registry Editor You have already taken a backup of your registry files.
Step 1: Open File Explorer on Windows Navigate to the application, file, or folder you want to add as a shortcut. Right-click it and select copy as path.
Step 2: After that, press Windows key + R to start Run command , And type regedit , And press Enter.
Step 3: in Registry Editor window , use left column Scroll down to the next key:
Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell
Step 4: Right click Shell folder , and go to New and select Key. Enter a suitable name for it.
Step 5: Right click the key Newly created, moved to New and select a key. Call it that.
Step 6: Locate Command key. Then, on your right, double-click hypothetical and paste Path of the copied file in Step 1 within value data. Click on OK For confirmation.
That's it. You'll be able to access the shortcut from the context menu on your desktop.
Bonus: Use a keyboard shortcut to open an app or folder on Windows 11
Once you've created a desktop shortcut using one of the methods above, you can easily attach a keyboard shortcut to it. This will allow you to access your file, folder, or application directly from your keyboard.
Step 1: Right click desktop shortcut and select Properties.
Step 2: Within the shortcut, go to shortcut key And press Keyboard set that you want to use. Then click Application followed by Agreed.
For easy access
While Windows 11 also provides quick access and Startup programs Creating desktop shortcuts is a more convenient option. You can choose any of the methods you like and start creating shortcuts.
