Do you have a favorite website that you visit daily — like email, work dashboards, or news — and wish you could open it with just one click from your desktop? Good news: Windows 11 and Microsoft Edge make it simple to create a desktop shortcut to any website.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you multiple methods to quickly add a website shortcut to your Windows 11 desktop using Edge. Whether you’re a beginner or power user, you’ll find a method that works best for you.
🔑 Key Takeaways
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You can create a desktop shortcut to a website in Edge using drag-and-drop, Edge’s “Pin to Taskbar/Start” feature, or manual shortcuts.
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Shortcuts can open directly in Microsoft Edge — even if another browser is set as default.
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You can also create progressive web app (PWA) style shortcuts that behave like native apps.
Why Create Desktop Shortcuts to Websites?
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Quick access: Open your favorite sites without typing URLs.
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Productivity: Treat important web apps (like Gmail, Teams, or Trello) as if they’re desktop apps.
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Customization: Keep your most-used websites just a double-click away.
Methods to Create a Desktop Shortcut to a Website in Edge
Let’s go through several methods — from the simplest drag-and-drop to advanced app-like shortcuts.
1. The Drag-and-Drop Method (Quick & Easy)
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Open Microsoft Edge.
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Go to the website you want to save.
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Resize the browser window so you can see both Edge and your desktop.
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Click the lock icon (🔒) in the address bar.
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Drag it to your desktop.
Now you’ll have a shortcut that opens in your default browser (if Edge is default, it opens there).
2. Use “Pin to Start” or “Pin to Taskbar”
Edge lets you pin sites for faster access.
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Open the website in Microsoft Edge.
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Click the three-dot menu (…) in the top-right.
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Go to More tools > Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start.
This won’t create a desktop icon, but it’s great for quick access from Start or the taskbar.
3. Create a Manual Desktop Shortcut
You can manually create a desktop shortcut that forces Edge to open a specific site.
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Right-click an empty spot on your desktop.
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Select New > Shortcut.
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In the location box, enter:
(Replace with your website’s URL.)
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Click Next, name your shortcut, and click Finish.
Double-clicking the shortcut will open the website directly in Edge.
4. Install a Website as an “App” (PWA Shortcut)
For web apps like Gmail, YouTube, or Teams, Edge lets you install them as progressive web apps (PWAs).
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Open the website in Edge.
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Click the three-dot menu (…).
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Go to Apps > Install this site as an app.
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Give it a name, then click Install.
This creates a desktop shortcut and adds the site to the Start menu. It opens in a separate window, making it feel like a real desktop app.
5. Copy Shortcut from Start Menu
If you installed a site as an app, you can also copy its shortcut to your desktop:
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Open Start menu.
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Find the app/website you installed.
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Right-click it → More > Open file location.
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Copy the shortcut to your desktop.
Troubleshooting: Shortcut Doesn’t Open in Edge
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Make sure Edge is set as your default browser if you want shortcuts to always use it.
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If shortcuts still open in another browser, use the
microsoft-edge:prefix in the shortcut path. -
Check that your shortcut’s target path is correct.
Comparison Table — Shortcut Methods
| Method | Opens in Edge? | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drag & Drop | Default browser only | Quick one-off | Easy |
| Pin to Taskbar/Start | Yes | Frequent sites | Easy |
| Manual Shortcut | Yes (with prefix) | Custom desktop icons | Medium |
| Install as App (PWA) | Yes | Web apps like Gmail, Teams | Easy |
| Copy from Start Menu | Yes | Moving PWA shortcuts | Medium |
Security Tip
Only create shortcuts to trusted websites. Accidentally clicking a malicious shortcut could expose your system. Always double-check URLs.
Conclusion
Creating a desktop shortcut to a website in Microsoft Edge on Windows 11 is simple and flexible.
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For quick links: Drag the lock icon to your desktop.
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For app-like experiences: Install the site as an app (PWA).
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For guaranteed Edge use: Create a manual shortcut with the
microsoft-edge:prefix.
With these methods, you can open your favorite sites instantly and make Windows 11 work smarter for you.
FAQs
1. Can I make Edge shortcuts open in a separate window?
Yes, install the site as an app (PWA) via Edge’s Apps menu.
2. Do desktop shortcuts work if Edge isn’t my default browser?
Yes, if you use the microsoft-edge: prefix.
3. Can I change the icon of a website shortcut?
Yes, right-click the shortcut → Properties > Change icon.
4. Why does my shortcut open in Chrome instead of Edge?
Because Chrome is set as the default browser. Use the Edge-specific shortcut path.
5. Is there a way to sync website shortcuts across devices?
Only if you install them as PWAs — they’ll sync with your Microsoft account across devices.