How to Put Icon on Desktop Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re wondering how to put icon on desktop Windows 11, you’re in the right place. Adding icons to your desktop can make frequently used apps, files, folders, websites, and system tools much easier to access. Instead of opening the Start menu or searching through File Explorer every time, you can simply double-click an icon on your desktop.

Windows 11 gives you several ways to put icons on the desktop. You can create shortcuts for applications, drag files and folders onto the desktop, restore built-in system icons such as This PC and Recycle Bin, or create website shortcuts for quick access to your favorite pages.

The best method depends on the type of icon you want to add. In this guide, we’ll cover each method step by step, explain why some shortcuts work differently, and show you what to do if your desktop icons are missing.

What Does Putting an Icon on the Desktop Mean?

When you put an icon on your Windows 11 desktop, you’re usually creating a shortcut.

A shortcut is like a signpost. It doesn’t necessarily move the original file or application. Instead, it gives Windows instructions about where the original item is located.

For example, you could create a desktop shortcut for:

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Microsoft Word
• A specific folder
• A PDF document
• A photo
• A game
• A website
• This PC
• Recycle Bin
• Control Panel
• Settings

This lets you launch or open the item quickly.

Why Put Icons on the Windows 11 Desktop?

The Windows 11 Start menu is useful, but sometimes you simply want faster access.

Desktop shortcuts can be helpful when:

• You frequently use a particular application.
• You regularly open a specific folder.
• You need quick access to a work document.
• You want a website available from your desktop.
• You prefer traditional Windows navigation.
• You recently installed an application but can’t find its shortcut.
• You want to restore missing system icons.

Think of your desktop like the top of your physical desk. The things you use most often can stay within easy reach.

How to Put an App Icon on Desktop Windows 11

One of the most common reasons people search for this process is to add an application shortcut.

Windows 11 doesn’t always automatically place a shortcut on the desktop after installing an app.

Fortunately, you can create one yourself.

Method 1: Use the Start Menu

This is one of the easiest ways to put an application icon on your desktop.

Follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button.
2. Select All apps.
3. Find the application you want.
4. Click and hold the app.
5. Drag it toward an empty area of the desktop.
6. Release the mouse button.

Windows should create a shortcut on the desktop.

You can then double-click the new icon whenever you want to launch the application.

If Dragging Doesn’t Work

Some Windows 11 applications don’t behave like traditional desktop applications.

If dragging an app doesn’t create a shortcut, try the next method.

How to Create an App Desktop Shortcut Using File Explorer

You can create a shortcut for a traditional Windows application through File Explorer.

Step 1: Find the Application

Open File Explorer by pressing:

Windows + E

Navigate to the location where the application’s executable file is stored.

The executable file usually ends with:

.exe

For example:

example.exe

Step 2: Create the Shortcut

Right-click the application’s .exe file.

Select:

Show more options

Then choose:

Send to > Desktop (create shortcut)

Windows will create a shortcut on your desktop.

Step 3: Rename the Shortcut

If the shortcut name isn’t convenient:

1. Right-click the shortcut.
2. Select Rename.
3. Type your preferred name.
4. Press Enter.

For example, you could rename a shortcut from a long application name to simply Chrome or Word.

How to Put a Folder Icon on the Desktop

You can also create shortcuts to folders.

This is particularly useful for folders you open every day.

Steps

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Find the folder you want.
3. Right-click the folder.
4. Select Show more options if necessary.
5. Choose Send to.
6. Select Desktop (create shortcut).

Windows will place a shortcut to that folder on your desktop.

The original folder remains in its original location.

How to Put a File Icon on the Desktop

You can also create a desktop shortcut to an individual file.

For example, you might want quick access to:

• A Word document
• An Excel spreadsheet
• A PDF
• A presentation
• A photo
• A text file
• A project file

Steps

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the file.
3. Right-click the file.
4. Select Show more options.
5. Choose Send to.
6. Select Desktop (create shortcut).

A shortcut will appear on your desktop.

Does This Move the Original File?

No.

This is an important distinction.

When you choose Desktop (create shortcut), Windows creates a shortcut rather than moving the original file.

Your original file stays exactly where it was.

How to Put This PC Icon on the Desktop

If you’re looking for the classic This PC icon, Windows 11 may not display it automatically.

You can enable it through Windows Settings.

Step 1: Open Personalization

Press:

Windows + I

Then select:

Personalization

Step 2: Open Themes

Click:

Themes

Step 3: Open Desktop Icon Settings

Scroll down and select:

Desktop icon settings

A new window will appear.

Step 4: Select This PC

Under Desktop icons, check:

Computer

Depending on your Windows version, this may appear as This PC.

Step 5: Apply the Setting

Click:

Apply

Then click:

OK

The This PC icon should now appear on the desktop.

How to Put Recycle Bin on the Desktop

Recycle Bin can be restored using the same process.

Go to:

Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings

Then check:

Recycle Bin

Click Apply, followed by OK.

You should now see Recycle Bin on the desktop.

How to Add Control Panel to the Desktop

Windows 11 doesn’t normally place Control Panel on the desktop.

However, you can create a shortcut manually.

Method 1: Create a Shortcut

1. Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
2. Select New.
3. Select Shortcut.
4. In the location box, enter:

control

5. Click Next.
6. Enter a name such as Control Panel.
7. Click Finish.

A Control Panel shortcut will now appear on your desktop.

How to Put Settings on the Desktop

You can create a shortcut to Windows Settings as well.

Steps

1. Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
2. Select New > Shortcut.
3. Enter:

ms-settings:

4. Click Next.
5. Name the shortcut Settings.
6. Click Finish.

You can now double-click the icon to open Windows Settings.

How to Put a Website Icon on the Desktop

Want a website shortcut directly on your desktop?

You can create one using your web browser.

The exact steps vary slightly between browsers.

Using Microsoft Edge

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Navigate to the website.
3. Resize the browser window so you can see part of the desktop.
4. Drag the small icon or site information area from the address bar onto the desktop.

Depending on the browser version and website, Windows may create a shortcut.

Using Google Chrome

You can also create a website shortcut through Chrome.

1. Open Chrome.
2. Visit the website.
3. Click the three-dot menu.
4. Look for options related to Cast, save, and share or creating a shortcut, depending on your Chrome version.
5. Choose the available shortcut option.
6. Follow the prompts.

The available wording can change as browsers are updated.

How to Create a Desktop Shortcut Manually

Windows 11 also allows you to create shortcuts from scratch.

This is useful when you know the location or command for the item.

Step 1: Right-Click the Desktop

Right-click an empty area of the desktop.

Step 2: Choose New

Select:

New > Shortcut

Step 3: Enter the Location

Windows will ask:

What item would you like to create a shortcut for?

Enter the location of the application, file, folder, website, or command.

Step 4: Click Next

Windows will ask you to name the shortcut.

Step 5: Enter a Name

Type a simple name.

For example:

My Files

Step 6: Click Finish

Windows creates the shortcut on the desktop.

How to Put an Icon on the Desktop From the Start Menu

Windows 11 applications can also be accessed through the Start menu.

Try this method:

1. Click Start.
2. Select All apps.
3. Locate the application.
4. Right-click it.
5. Look for More or Open file location, depending on the application.
6. If Open file location appears, select it.
7. In File Explorer, right-click the application shortcut.
8. Choose Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

This method is especially useful when the Start menu doesn’t allow you to drag the application directly to the desktop.

How to Add Multiple Icons to the Desktop

If you need several shortcuts, you don’t have to create them one at a time from scratch.

You can create shortcuts for frequently used:

• Apps
• Folders
• Documents
• Websites
• System tools

After adding them, organize them into groups.

For example:

Work

• Word
• Excel
• Email
• Work folder

Entertainment

• Spotify
• Games
• YouTube

Tools

• Settings
• Control Panel
• This PC

This can make your desktop much easier to navigate.

How to Change a Desktop Icon

Once you’ve added an icon, you can customize its appearance.

Right-click the shortcut and select:

Properties

Then select:

Change Icon

Windows may display available icons.

You can select one and click OK.

If you have an .ico file, you may also be able to browse to it and use it as a custom icon.

How to Rename a Desktop Icon

Renaming a shortcut is simple.

Method 1

1. Right-click the icon.
2. Select Rename.
3. Type the new name.
4. Press Enter.

Method 2

1. Select the icon.
2. Press F2.
3. Type the new name.
4. Press Enter.

Remember that renaming a shortcut doesn’t rename the original application or file.

How to Move Desktop Icons

If your new icon appears in an inconvenient location, you can move it.

Click and hold the icon.

Then drag it to the desired position.

Release the mouse button.

Windows will place it there unless automatic arrangement is enabled.

How to Arrange Desktop Icons Automatically

If your desktop icons are messy, Windows can organize them.

Right-click an empty area of the desktop.

Select:

View

You’ll see options such as:

• Large icons
• Medium icons
• Small icons
• Auto arrange icons
• Align icons to grid

Auto arrange icons automatically organizes icons.

Align icons to grid helps keep them neatly aligned.

What If Desktop Icons Are Not Visible?

You might successfully create a shortcut but still not see it.

Windows may have desktop icons hidden.

Step 1: Right-Click the Desktop

Right-click an empty area.

Step 2: Open View

Select:

View

Step 3: Enable Desktop Icons

Make sure:

Show desktop icons

is checked.

If it isn’t checked, click it.

Your desktop icons should immediately become visible.

How to Restore Missing System Icons

If icons such as This PC or Recycle Bin disappeared, use Desktop Icon Settings.

Go to:

Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings

Select the icons you want to display.

Available system icons may include:

• Computer
• User’s Files
• Network
• Recycle Bin
• Control Panel

Select the desired icons and click Apply.

What Is the Difference Between an Icon and a Shortcut?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a small distinction.

An icon is a visual representation.

A shortcut is a special file that points to another item.

For example, the icon you see on your desktop might represent a shortcut to an application.

Deleting a shortcut normally does not uninstall the application.

That’s why desktop shortcuts are convenient and relatively safe to manage.

How to Delete a Desktop Shortcut

If you no longer want a shortcut:

1. Right-click the desktop icon.
2. Select Delete.
3. Confirm if Windows asks.

For a normal shortcut, deleting it removes the shortcut rather than uninstalling the application.

However, always check what you’re deleting before confirming, especially if you’re working with actual files rather than shortcuts.

How to Tell Whether an Icon Is a Shortcut

A shortcut commonly has a small arrow overlay on its icon.

You can also:

1. Right-click the icon.
2. Select Properties.
3. Look for information identifying the shortcut’s target.

This helps you distinguish a shortcut from the original file.

Why Can’t I Create a Desktop Shortcut?

If Windows won’t let you create a shortcut, several things could be responsible.

Try these solutions:

1. Make sure you’re right-clicking an empty area of the desktop.
2. Check that New > Shortcut appears.
3. Restart File Explorer or restart Windows.
4. Make sure you have permission to access the original file.
5. Try creating a shortcut to a different item.
6. Check whether the desktop location is available.
7. Run Windows updates if File Explorer is behaving unexpectedly.

For a specific application, using Send to > Desktop (create shortcut) can sometimes be easier than manually creating one.

How to Fix the “Send to Desktop” Option Missing

If you don’t see Desktop (create shortcut) under Send to, try using the manual shortcut method.

Right-click the desktop and select:

New > Shortcut

Then enter the location of the application or file.

You can also use the Start menu to locate an application’s shortcut and open its file location.

Can I Put a Folder on the Desktop Without Moving It?

Yes.

The safest approach is to create a shortcut.

Use:

Right-click folder > Show more options > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut)

This gives you quick access while leaving the original folder in its existing location.

It’s similar to putting a bookmark on your desk rather than moving the entire filing cabinet onto the desk.

Can I Put a Website on the Desktop Without Installing an App?

Yes.

A website shortcut can open a webpage directly in your browser without requiring a separate desktop application.

Depending on the browser, you can create the shortcut using its website shortcut or app-install features.

This can be useful for frequently visited sites such as:

• Gmail
• Google Drive
• YouTube
• Online banking
• Work portals
• Cloud storage
• Web-based productivity tools

Always verify the website address before creating shortcuts to sensitive services.

Best Ways to Organize Windows 11 Desktop Icons

Adding icons is useful, but too many can make your desktop difficult to navigate.

A simple organization strategy is to keep only your most frequently used shortcuts on the desktop.

For example:

Daily-use apps

Keep your most frequently used programs available.

Important folders

Create shortcuts to folders you open regularly.

Work files

Use shortcuts to active projects instead of filling the desktop with duplicate files.

Websites

Keep only the websites you access frequently.

For everything else, use the Start menu, taskbar, File Explorer, or search.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I put an app icon on my Windows 11 desktop?

Open Start > All apps, find the application, and try dragging it onto the desktop. If that doesn’t work, use Open file location when available and create a shortcut with Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

How do I put This PC on my Windows 11 desktop?

Go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings. Select Computer/This PC, click Apply, and then click OK.

How do I put a folder on my desktop without moving it?

Right-click the folder, choose Show more options > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). This creates a shortcut while leaving the original folder where it is.

Why can’t I see the icon I added to my desktop?

Right-click an empty desktop area, select View, and make sure Show desktop icons is enabled. If icons are hidden, Windows won’t display them even though shortcuts may still exist.

How do I create a desktop shortcut manually in Windows 11?

Right-click an empty area of the desktop, select New > Shortcut, enter the location of the item, click Next, provide a name, and select Finish.

Quick Summary: Ways to Put Icons on the Windows 11 Desktop

Here’s a quick reference for the methods covered in this guide:

What You Want to Add	Recommended Method
App	Start menu or application shortcut
Folder	Send to > Desktop
File	Send to > Desktop
This PC	Desktop Icon Settings
Recycle Bin	Desktop Icon Settings
Control Panel	Create a shortcut
Settings	Create a shortcut
Website	Browser shortcut method
Custom shortcut	New > Shortcut

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to put icon on desktop Windows 11 gives you a simple way to personalize your computer and speed up everyday tasks.

Whether you want to add an application, folder, document, website, This PC, or Recycle Bin, Windows 11 provides several straightforward options.

For most apps, start with the Start menu. For files and folders, Send to > Desktop (create shortcut) is usually convenient. For system icons, use Desktop icon settings. And when you need a custom shortcut, the New > Shortcut option gives you more control.

Remember that a desktop shortcut is usually just a pointer to the original item. You can move, rename, or delete the shortcut without necessarily changing the original application or file.

Once you’ve added the icons you actually use, organize them into a simple layout. A clean desktop with a handful of useful shortcuts can make Windows 11 feel faster and much easier to navigate.