How to Put Microsoft Store Apps on Desktop in Windows 11: A Complete Guide

When you install apps from the Microsoft Store, they don’t automatically appear on your desktop like traditional programs. Instead, they live inside the Start Menu or “All Apps” list — which can be inconvenient if you want quick access.

In this detailed guide, we’ll show you exactly how to put Microsoft Store apps on your desktop in Windows 11, step-by-step. You’ll learn several easy methods to create shortcuts, pin apps, and organize your desktop for faster access.

Let’s get started! 🚀

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Why Put Microsoft Store Apps on the Desktop?

Before diving into the steps, let’s quickly understand why you might want to move Microsoft Store apps to your desktop.

Here are some benefits:

• ⚡ Faster access: Launch your favorite apps in one click.

• 🧭 Better organization: Keep your frequently used apps visible.

• 🎯 Improved productivity: No need to dig through the Start menu.

• 🧩 Personalized workspace: Create your own layout of essential tools.

If you use apps like Spotify, WhatsApp, Instagram, or Microsoft To Do, placing them on your desktop makes your workflow smoother and faster.

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How Microsoft Store Apps Work in Windows 11

Unlike classic desktop programs (.exe files), Microsoft Store apps (also called UWP apps) are sandboxed — they run in a protected environment for security.

When installed, their actual files are stored deep within the Windows system folders, which means you can’t easily “browse” to them and create shortcuts the old-fashioned way.

However, Windows 11 offers multiple methods to add these apps to your desktop safely and easily.

Let’s explore each one.

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1. Create a Desktop Shortcut from the Start Menu

This is the simplest and fastest way to put Microsoft Store apps on your desktop.

Steps:

1. Click the Start button (Windows icon) on your taskbar.

2. Open All apps.

3. Find the app you want (e.g., Spotify, Netflix, Instagram).

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

✅ Result: A shortcut appears on your desktop instantly.
Now, you can double-click it anytime to launch the app directly.

💡 Tip: This works for both Microsoft Store and traditional apps.

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2. Use the Search Menu to Create a Shortcut

If the app isn’t visible in your Start menu, you can use the search bar.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S to open Search.

2. Type the name of the app (e.g., Calculator).

3. When it appears in the results, right-click it.

4. Select Open file location.

If this option isn’t available, it’s likely a Microsoft Store app — don’t worry, continue with Method 3 below.

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3. Manually Create a Shortcut Using the “shell:AppsFolder” Command

This method works even for hidden or restricted Microsoft Store apps.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type:

   shell:AppsFolder


   and press Enter.

3. A special window opens showing all installed apps — including Microsoft Store ones.

4. Right-click any app you want.

5. Select Create shortcut.

6. Windows will ask:
   “Windows can’t create a shortcut here. Do you want the shortcut to be placed on the desktop instead?”

7. Click Yes.

✅ You’ll now see that app’s shortcut on your desktop!

💡 Pro Tip: This is the most powerful method — it works for every Microsoft Store app, even ones without file locations.

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4. Pin Microsoft Store Apps to the Taskbar

If you prefer easy access without desktop clutter, pinning apps to the taskbar is another great option.

Steps:

1. Open the Start Menu.

2. Find your app.

3. Right-click it → select Pin to taskbar.

Now it’s always visible at the bottom of your screen for one-click access.

✅ Combine this with desktop shortcuts for a personalized layout.

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5. Pin Microsoft Store Apps to the Start Menu

Want your favorite apps front and center in the Start menu? You can pin them for quicker access too.

Steps:

1. Open Start > All apps.

2. Find the app you want.

3. Right-click → select Pin to Start.

The app will now appear as a tile in your Start menu’s “Pinned” section.
You can drag and arrange these tiles however you like.

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6. Create a Desktop Shortcut Using PowerShell

If you prefer a command-line approach, PowerShell lets you create shortcuts for any installed Microsoft Store app.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → choose Windows Terminal (Admin).

2. Copy and paste this command:

   explorer shell:AppsFolder


3. Press Enter.
   This opens the hidden AppsFolder window.

4. Right-click any app → Create shortcut → confirm placing it on desktop.

This achieves the same result as the Run method but is useful if you’re already in PowerShell or prefer automation.

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7. Create Custom Folders for App Shortcuts

If you use multiple apps regularly, you can organize them into folders for better productivity.

Steps:

1. Right-click on your desktop → New > Folder.

2. Name it (e.g., “Work Apps” or “Entertainment”).

3. Drag and drop your app shortcuts into this folder.

✅ Now you can keep your desktop clean while still accessing all your essential apps from one place.

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8. Use Windows Search to Locate Hidden Microsoft Store Apps

Some apps might not appear in the Start or AppsFolder list.

Here’s how to find them:

Steps:

1. Press Windows + S → type the name of the app.

2. Right-click it → choose App settings.

3. Confirm it’s installed and running.

4. If available, click Advanced options → Reset or Repair to refresh visibility.

Once it appears, repeat any of the shortcut creation methods above.

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9. Add Microsoft Store Apps to Desktop via File Explorer (Advanced)

Microsoft Store apps are installed in a protected location, but you can still access them for shortcut creation.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Navigate to:

   C:\Program Files\WindowsApps


3. You’ll see folders with app package names (like Microsoft.YourAppName_1.0.0.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe).

4. You’ll need administrator permissions to access these.

5. Once inside, locate the .exe file and right-click → Create shortcut.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid modifying files in this folder — it’s protected for security reasons. Only use it to create shortcuts.

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10. Use “Send to Desktop” from File Location

If a Microsoft Store app allows “Open file location,” you can quickly send a shortcut to your desktop.

Steps:

1. Right-click the app in Start → More > Open file location.

2. Right-click the shortcut that appears.

3. Choose Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

✅ You now have a direct desktop shortcut.

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11. Add Apps to Desktop via Context Menu (Drag & Drop Shortcut)

Another quick trick — simply drag and drop from Start directly onto the desktop.

Steps:

1. Open Start Menu → locate the app.

2. Click and drag the icon onto your desktop.

3. Release it when you see a small “Link” pop-up.

It automatically creates a working desktop shortcut!

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12. Sync Desktop Shortcuts Across Devices

If you use multiple Windows 11 PCs or laptops, you can sync app shortcuts through OneDrive.

Steps:

1. Save your app shortcuts inside the Desktop folder.

2. Ensure OneDrive is set to back up your desktop:

   • Right-click OneDrive icon → Settings > Sync and backup > Manage backup.

   • Turn on Desktop backup.

3. Now your shortcuts appear on every synced device.

✅ A great trick if you use multiple computers with the same Microsoft account.

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13. Organize Desktop Shortcuts Efficiently

Once you’ve added Microsoft Store apps to your desktop, organize them for productivity.

Best practices:

• 🗂️ Group similar apps (Work, Entertainment, Tools, etc.)

• 📏 Align icons using View > Auto arrange icons.

• 🎨 Use desktop backgrounds that match your layout.

• 🪟 Try Fences by Stardock to organize apps visually.

This makes your desktop not just functional but aesthetic too.

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14. Restore Missing Desktop Shortcuts

If your shortcuts disappear (e.g., after a system update), here’s how to restore them.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > Personalization > Themes.

2. Scroll to Desktop icon settings.

3. Ensure Desktop icons are enabled.

4. If the shortcut was deleted, re-create it using shell:AppsFolder again.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a backup of important shortcuts in a “Shortcuts” folder within Documents.

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15. Bonus: Create a Shortcut for Microsoft Store Itself

Want quick access to the Microsoft Store on your desktop?

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R → type:

   shell:AppsFolder


2. Find Microsoft Store.

3. Right-click → Create shortcut → click Yes.

Now you can open the Microsoft Store with a double-click directly from your desktop.

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Common Issues When Adding Store Apps to Desktop

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Tips for a Cleaner, Faster Desktop

• 🧹 Limit shortcuts to 10–15 for easy navigation.

• ⚙️ Enable auto-arrange to keep icons aligned.

• 💾 Backup shortcuts to OneDrive.

• 🎨 Use icon packs for a consistent look.

• 💡 Combine shortcuts into folders for minimal clutter.

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Conclusion

Adding Microsoft Store apps to your desktop in Windows 11 is simple once you know how. Whether you use the Start menu drag-and-drop, shell:AppsFolder, or Send to Desktop method, you can customize your workspace for faster access and better organization.

No more hunting through menus — your favorite apps can now be just one double-click away!

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FAQs About Putting Microsoft Store Apps on Desktop in Windows 11

1. Can I move Microsoft Store apps directly to my desktop?

Yes! Use shell:AppsFolder or drag from the Start menu to create shortcuts easily.

2. Why can’t I find my Microsoft Store app in File Explorer?

Store apps are installed in a protected WindowsApps folder. Use the Run command (shell:AppsFolder) to access them.

3. Can I pin Microsoft Store apps to the taskbar instead?

Absolutely — right-click the app and choose Pin to Taskbar for one-click access.

4. What if “Create Shortcut” doesn’t appear?

Run the command as Administrator or use an alternative method like PowerShell.

5. Can I add multiple Store apps to the desktop at once?

Yes, open shell:AppsFolder and create shortcuts for as many apps as you want.

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Summary: Key Takeaways

🧠 In short:
To put Microsoft Store apps on your desktop in Windows 11, just open shell:AppsFolder, right-click the app, and create a shortcut. It’s that simple — and gives you full control over how you access and organize your apps.