How to Make a Shortcut on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating shortcuts in Windows 11 is one of the easiest ways to access your favorite files, folders, programs, and even websites faster. Whether you’re trying to open a document with one click, launch a specific app, or pin a website to your desktop, learning how to make a shortcut on Windows 11 will save you time and boost productivity.

In this complete guide, we’ll show you step-by-step methods to create shortcuts for almost anything — apps, files, folders, drives, websites, and even system settings. We’ll also explain how to customize icons, rename shortcuts, and pin them to Start or Taskbar.

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Why Use Shortcuts in Windows 11?

Shortcuts are small files that act as quick links to other files or functions. They’re convenient because they:

• Save time: You can open files or programs instantly without navigating through multiple folders.

• Improve workflow: Keep your most-used tools on the desktop or taskbar.

• Declutter navigation: Instead of pinning everything to Start, you can group shortcuts neatly in one folder.

Think of shortcuts as speed dials for your PC — one click, and you’re where you need to be.

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🧰 Method 1: Create a Shortcut from the Desktop Context Menu

The simplest way to create a shortcut is directly from your desktop.

Step-by-Step:

1. Right-click on your desktop.

2. Hover over New → click Shortcut.

3. In the Create Shortcut wizard, click Browse and choose:

   • A file, folder, program, or even a drive.
     Example: C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe

4. Click Next.

5. Type a name for your shortcut (e.g., “Google Chrome”).

6. Click Finish.

A new shortcut icon will appear on your desktop — ready to use!

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🗂️ Method 2: Create a Shortcut for a File or Folder

If you frequently open a specific file or folder, create a shortcut to save time.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer (press Windows + E).

2. Navigate to the file or folder you want to create a shortcut for.

3. Right-click it and select Show more options → Create shortcut.

4. Windows will place the shortcut in the same location.

5. Drag or copy that shortcut to your desktop or any folder you prefer.

💡 Tip: Rename it to something descriptive like “Budget 2025 Shortcut” or “Work Documents.”

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🪄 Method 3: Create an App Shortcut from Start Menu

If you want to create a shortcut for an installed app (like Microsoft Word, Spotify, or Photoshop):

Here’s how:

1. Click Start (Windows icon).

2. Find the app in the Start menu.

3. Click and drag the app icon to your desktop.

That’s it! Windows automatically creates a shortcut for that app.

Alternatively:

1. Right-click the app in the Start menu.

2. Select Open file location (if available).

3. In the opened folder, right-click the app → Create shortcut → move it to your desktop.

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🌐 Method 4: Create a Website Shortcut on the Desktop

Want to open your favorite websites (like YouTube, Gmail, or LinkedIn) with one click? You can make a desktop shortcut that launches directly in your browser.

For Google Chrome:

1. Open the website you want to save.

2. Click the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner → Save and share → Create shortcut.

3. Check Open as window (optional) if you want it to open separately.

4. Click Create.

The shortcut will appear on your desktop and open in Chrome automatically.

For Microsoft Edge:

1. Open the site in Edge.

2. Click the three dots (⋯) → More tools → Pin to desktop.

3. Click Pin.

Now you have a clickable web shortcut on your desktop.

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💽 Method 5: Create a Drive Shortcut (C:, D:, or USB)

If you frequently open a particular drive, here’s how to make a shortcut for it.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Go to This PC.

3. Right-click the drive (e.g., D: or E:).

4. Select Create shortcut.

5. Move it to your desktop for easy access.

Now you can open that drive instantly without opening File Explorer each time.

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🧩 Method 6: Create a Shortcut to a Windows Setting or Tool

You can create shortcuts for system settings like Bluetooth, Network settings, or Device Manager using specific commands.

Example: Create a Shortcut to Device Manager

1. Right-click on your desktop → New → Shortcut.

2. Type the command below and click Next:

   devmgmt.msc


3. Name it Device Manager → click Finish.

More Useful Commands:

Create shortcuts for any of these to access settings faster.

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🧑‍💻 Method 7: Use the Run Command to Create Shortcuts

If you know the path or command, you can quickly create a shortcut using the Run dialog.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open Run.

2. Type the command or file path you want to create a shortcut for (e.g., notepad).

3. Once it opens, right-click its icon on the taskbar → Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start.

✅ This trick is great for quickly pinning utilities like Command Prompt or Paint.

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🧱 Method 8: Create a Shortcut Using Command Prompt (Advanced)

Power users can use the Command Prompt to create shortcuts using the mklink command.

Syntax:

Example:

This creates a shortcut on your desktop pointing to your Notes file.

⚠️ Note: This command requires Administrator privileges and is best for advanced users.

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🎨 Method 9: Change Shortcut Icon and Name

Windows 11 lets you customize shortcut icons to make your desktop more organized.

To Rename:

• Right-click the shortcut → Rename → type a new name → press Enter.

To Change the Icon:

1. Right-click the shortcut → Properties.

2. Go to the Shortcut tab.

3. Click Change Icon….

4. Choose from the default list or Browse for your own .ico file.

5. Click OK → Apply → OK.

💡 You can download free .ico icon packs from trusted sites like icons8.com or flaticon.com.

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📌 Method 10: Pin Shortcut to Start or Taskbar

If you use a shortcut daily, pinning it to the Start menu or Taskbar gives you quicker access.

To Pin to Taskbar:

1. Right-click the shortcut → select Show more options → Pin to taskbar.

To Pin to Start:

1. Right-click the shortcut → Pin to Start.

Now it’ll appear under the Start menu’s pinned section or on your Taskbar.

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🧾 Method 11: Create Keyboard Shortcuts for Your Shortcuts

Want to open an app or folder with just one key combo? Windows lets you assign keyboard shortcuts to desktop shortcuts.

Steps:

1. Right-click your shortcut → Properties.

2. Click inside the Shortcut key field.

3. Press your desired combination (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + N).

4. Click Apply → OK.

Now, whenever you press that combination, the shortcut will launch instantly.

⚡ For example, set Ctrl + Alt + C to open Chrome instantly.

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⚙️ Method 12: Create Shortcut for a Program That Requires Admin Rights

If you often run a program as Administrator, you can make a shortcut that does it automatically.

Steps:

1. Create a shortcut normally.

2. Right-click it → Properties.

3. Go to the Shortcut tab → click Advanced.

4. Check Run as administrator → OK → Apply.

Now that shortcut will always launch with admin permissions.

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🧩 Method 13: Group or Organize Your Shortcuts for Productivity

Having too many shortcuts can clutter your desktop. Here’s how to stay organized:

• 🗂️ Create folders like “Work,” “Games,” or “Tools” and move related shortcuts into each.

• 📁 Use the “Quick Access” section in File Explorer to pin favorite folders.

• 🧩 Try Fences by Stardock (a third-party tool) to group shortcuts visually.

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🧰 Method 14: Fix Missing “Create Shortcut” Option

If the “Create Shortcut” option doesn’t appear in Windows 11, it might be due to system policy or corrupted context menu settings.

Fix Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type sfc /scannow, and press Enter.

   • This scans and repairs missing Windows components.

2. If the problem persists, open Registry Editor (regedit) and check:

   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile


3. Ensure IsShortcut string value exists.

4. If missing, right-click → New → String Value → name it IsShortcut.

Restart your computer — the context menu should now work correctly.

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💾 Method 15: Create Shortcuts for Network Locations or Shared Drives

If you use network drives (like office servers or NAS devices), shortcuts can make access easier.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer → click This PC.

2. Click the three dots (⋯) → choose Map network drive.

3. Assign a drive letter (like Z:) and enter the network path (e.g., \\Server\Documents).

4. Check Reconnect at sign-in → click Finish.

5. Now right-click the new drive → Create shortcut → move it to your desktop.

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🏁 Conclusion: Simplify Your Workflow with Shortcuts

That’s it! You now know how to make a shortcut on Windows 11 in multiple ways — for apps, files, folders, drives, settings, and websites.

Here’s a quick recap:

• Right-click → New → Shortcut for anything on your PC.

• Drag apps or files to your desktop to auto-create shortcuts.

• Use browser tools to make web shortcuts.

• Customize icons and assign keyboard hotkeys for faster access.

Shortcuts are like your PC’s personal bookmarks — once you start using them effectively, your workflow becomes smoother and faster.

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❓ FAQs About Making Shortcuts in Windows 11

1. How do I create a desktop shortcut quickly?

Right-click your desktop → New → Shortcut, choose your file/app, and click Finish.

2. Can I make shortcuts for websites in Windows 11?

Yes! In Chrome or Edge, open the website → click More tools → Create shortcut / Pin to desktop.

3. Why can’t I see the “Create shortcut” option?

You may have a missing “IsShortcut” registry value or system file issue. Run sfc /scannow to fix it.

4. How do I change a shortcut’s icon?

Right-click the shortcut → Properties → Change Icon…, then select a new one or browse for a custom .ico file.

5. Can I use keyboard shortcuts to open desktop shortcuts?

Yes. Open Properties → Shortcut key, assign a combination like Ctrl + Alt + [key], and click Apply.

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🧾 Summary: Key Takeaways

Creating shortcuts in Windows 11 isn’t just convenient — it’s a game-changer for productivity. Start making and organizing your own today and enjoy one-click access to everything you use most. ⚡💻