[Guide] How to Create Windows 11 Desktop Shortcuts

In a bustling digital era where we continuously interact with various applications, files, websites, and folders, having a structured and efficient desktop interface is more vital than ever. Shortcuts have long been a proven method to enhance the user interface, offering quick and easy access to essential files and applications. With the launch of Windows 11, users may wonder how to create these practical tools in the new operating system.

Fret not, as this guide aims to lead you seamlessly through creating desktop shortcuts in Windows 11, simplifying your workflow, and enhancing your productivity. Whether you wish to create shortcuts for files, folders, apps, or websites, we’ve got you covered – just follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Create Windows 11 Desktop Shortcuts via Shortcut Wizard (Files, Folders, Apps, and Websites)

One can approach the shortcut wizard option to create desktop shortcuts for Windows 11. It helps to create a desktop shortcut for files, folders, apps, and websites. You can create shortcuts directly from the main screen or file explorer. Here is how you can create shortcuts.

Step 1: Right-click on Windows main screen (desktop) and select the option new from the context menu.

Step 2: From the new option, next select the shortcut option from the drop-down list.

Step 3: Now browse the file/folder/app for which you want to create the shortcut in the shortcut wizard.

Step 4: Once selected, click next, followed by clicking finish to complete the wizard. The shortcut would be created.

Step 5: Launch the site in the default web browser to create a shortcut for a website. Copy the URL of the website from the address bar.

Step 6: Now follow steps 1 to 4 and paste the website URL in the search box of the shortcut wizard. Click next, followed by clicking finish to complete the wizard.

Create Windows 11 Desktop Shortcuts From the Context Menu

One must approach the file location via file explorer to create a shortcut wizard from the context menu. It can help to create a shortcut for files/folders/apps. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch file explorer from the Windows main menu. Type file explorer in the taskbar’s search and double-click the option to open file explorer.

Step 2: In the file explorer menu, navigate to the targeted file/folder for which you intend to create a shortcut.

Step 3: Right-click the file/folder and select the create shortcut option from the context menu.

Create Windows 11 Desktop Shortcuts Through Drag and Drop Menu (Files, Folders, Apps, and Websites)

One can create a shortcut for files/folders and apps on a desktop by drag and drop technique. It can create shortcuts for files, folders, apps, and websites. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch file explorer via the keyboard’s Windows key+ E shortcut keys.

Step 2: In the file explorer menu, locate the targeted file/folder, double-click, and drag the file to the desktop.

Step 3: Drop the file/folder on the desktop and select the create shortcut here option.

Step 4: For websites, launch the site in the browser and click select the site address icon from the address bar. Drag the address and drop it on the desktop.

Create Windows 11 Desktop Shortcuts With the Start Menu

One can choose the start menu option to create shortcuts for apps on a desktop. Here is how you can act.

Step 1: Right-click the Windows icon in the main menu.

Step 2: A list of all apps and programs on the device will appear. Select the targeted app, and drag the app to the desktop with a left click. It will create the shortcut.

Create Windows 11 Desktop Shortcuts by Open File Location in File Explorer

Apart from the start menu and shortcut wizards, one can create shortcuts for the apps via the file location option in windows file explorer. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Locate the targeted app from the Windows main menu. Type the app’s name in the taskbar’s search and click the option in the list.

Step 2: From the list of options, select the option of open file location.

Step 3: In the file location option, right-click the .exe file and select the option to show more options from the context menu.

Step 4: In the options drop-down, click send, then select the desktop option (create shortcut).

Create Windows 11 Desktop Shortcuts From the Applications Folder in Run or Command Prompt

Shortcuts for apps in Windows 11 can be created via the run command prompt. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch Run utility via Windows key+ R.

Step 2: In the run command box, type explorer shell:AppsFolder and click ok to continue.

Step 3: Right-click the targeted app and select the Create shortcut option to complete the action.

Step 4: The same quick fix can be performed with the command prompt. Launch the command prompt from the Windows main menu. Type cmd in the taskbar’s search and select the option of run as administrator.

Step 2: In the prompt window, type explorer shell:AppsFolder and click enter to execute the command. Then click the app in file explorer and select the option of creating a shortcut.

Create Windows 11 Desktop Shortcuts Editing the Registry Editor

Windows registry editor can also create a desktop shortcut in Windows 11. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the registry editor from the run utility. Click Windows key+ R, and in the run command box, type regedit.msc and click ok to continue.

Step 2: In the registry editor window, enter the following key in the address bar and click enter to locate.

Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell

Step 3: In the address, right-click the shell folder to select new, then select the key in the context menu.

Step 4: Open the file explorer, copy the path location for the targeted app, and select the open file location.

Step 5: Rename the key as a command. Double-click the command key, add the path location in the value data, and click ok to complete the action.

Simplify Your Workflow with Windows 11 Desktop Shortcuts

In this step-by-step guide, we have shown you how to create desktop shortcuts in Windows 11, allowing you to easily access your frequently used applications and files with just a click. By following the straightforward instructions outlined here, you can save time and effort navigating through menus and folders to find the necessary programs and documents.

Whether you want to create shortcuts for your favorite games, productivity tools, or important files, the process is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. Simply right-click on the desired item, select “Create shortcut,” and place it on your desktop for quick access.

With this guide, you can efficiently organize and customize your desktop to suit your needs and optimize your workflow in Windows 11.

Frequently Asked Questions About Desktop Shortcuts on Windows 11