How to Add App to Desktop on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / August 28, 2025

If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you might have noticed that things look a little different compared to Windows 10. The new centered taskbar, refreshed Start menu, and redesigned settings are exciting—but they can also leave you wondering how to do simple things, like adding app shortcuts to your desktop.

Don’t worry! In this guide, I’ll walk you through several easy methods to add apps to your desktop in Windows 11, whether it’s through the Start menu, File Explorer, or even drag-and-drop. By the end, you’ll know multiple ways to place your favorite apps right on your desktop for quick access.

Why Add Apps to the Desktop in Windows 11?

Some people prefer a clean desktop, while others love having their most-used apps right at their fingertips. Adding apps to your desktop makes sense if you:

  • Want quick access to your favorite programs
  • Don’t want to dig through the Start menu every time
  • Prefer the classic Windows layout with icons on the desktop
  • Like organizing apps, files, and shortcuts in one place

Think of it as keeping your essential tools on the workbench instead of hidden in the toolbox.

Method 1: Add App from Start Menu to Desktop

This is the simplest way to add an app to your desktop in Windows 11.

Steps:

  1. Click the Start menu (Windows icon in the center of the taskbar).
  2. Find the app you want to add.
  3. Right-click on the app.
  4. Select More > Open file location.
  5. In File Explorer, right-click the app shortcut.
  6. Choose Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

Boom! The app now shows up on your desktop.

Method 2: Drag and Drop from Start Menu

Windows 11 supports drag-and-drop again (yay!).

Steps:

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Locate your app.
  3. Click and drag it to the desktop.
  4. Release the mouse, and the shortcut appears.

This method works well for pinned apps on the Start menu.

Method 3: Add Shortcut from All Apps List

If your app isn’t pinned, you can still grab it from the “All apps” list.

Steps:

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Click All apps in the top-right corner.
  3. Scroll to find your app.
  4. Right-click > More > Open file location.
  5. Right-click the shortcut > Send to > Desktop.

Method 4: Use File Explorer to Create Desktop Shortcut

Sometimes you might want to add apps that aren’t in the Start menu—like portable apps.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to where the app is installed (usually C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86)).
  3. Find the .exe file of the app.
  4. Right-click the file > Show more options > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

Method 5: Create Shortcut Manually

If you like a hands-on approach, you can manually create a shortcut.

Steps:

  1. Right-click on your desktop.
  2. Select New > Shortcut.
  3. In the location field, type the path of the app (or browse to find it).
    Example: C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe
  4. Click Next.
  5. Enter a name for your shortcut.
  6. Click Finish.

Your shortcut is ready!

Method 6: Pin Apps to Taskbar Instead of Desktop

If you prefer a clean desktop, you can always pin apps to the taskbar.

Steps:

  1. Right-click on the app in Start.
  2. Choose Pin to taskbar.
  3. The app will appear on your taskbar for quick access.

Method 7: Use Windows Search to Create Desktop Shortcut

If you can’t find the app in Start, try Windows Search.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S.
  2. Type the app’s name.
  3. Right-click the result.
  4. Select Open file location.
  5. Right-click the app > Send to > Desktop.

Method 8: Restore Default Desktop Icons

What if you’re trying to get system apps like This PC, Recycle Bin, or Control Panel on the desktop?

Steps:

  1. Right-click the desktop > Personalize.
  2. Go to Themes > Desktop icon settings.
  3. Check the icons you want (Computer, Recycle Bin, Control Panel).
  4. Click Apply > OK.

Method 9: Add Microsoft Store Apps to Desktop

Even apps from the Microsoft Store can have shortcuts.

Steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Right-click the Store app.
  3. Select Pin to Start if not already pinned.
  4. Drag it to your desktop from Start.

Method 10: Use Third-Party Launchers

If you want more control, third-party tools like RocketDock or Nexus Dock let you organize apps differently.

These apps let you:

  • Create custom shortcuts
  • Organize by categories
  • Use a dock instead of cluttering your desktop

How to Organize Desktop Apps After Adding Them

Adding shortcuts is great, but an overloaded desktop can be messy. Here are tips to organize:

  • Group by category (e.g., Browsers, Work Tools, Games).
  • Use folders (right-click > New > Folder).
  • Align icons to grid for a tidy look.
  • Use Fences by Stardock for advanced desktop organization.

How to Remove App Shortcuts from Desktop

Made a mistake or want to clean up?

Steps:

  1. Right-click the desktop shortcut.
  2. Select Delete.
  3. Don’t worry—the app itself isn’t deleted, just the shortcut.

Troubleshooting: Can’t Add App to Desktop in Windows 11

Sometimes you may run into issues. Here’s how to fix them:

  • App doesn’t appear in Start menu → Search for it in File Explorer.
  • Send to Desktop option missing → Try the manual shortcut method.
  • Microsoft Store apps not dragging → Pin to Start first, then drag.
  • Shortcut not working → Recreate it by pointing to the correct .exe file.

Conclusion

Adding apps to your desktop in Windows 11 is super easy once you know the tricks. You can use drag-and-drop, the Start menu, File Explorer, or even manual shortcuts. Whether you prefer a minimalist desktop or one filled with your favorite tools, Windows 11 gives you the flexibility to set things up your way.

So, the next time you find yourself hunting for an app in the Start menu, just create a shortcut and keep it right where you need it—on your desktop.

FAQs

1. Does deleting a desktop shortcut uninstall the app?
No, deleting a shortcut only removes the icon, not the actual app.

2. Can I add Microsoft Store apps to the desktop?
Yes, you can pin them to Start and then drag them to your desktop.

3. How do I add system apps like Control Panel to the desktop?
Go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings and enable them.

4. What if “Send to Desktop” is missing?
You can create a shortcut manually using the New > Shortcut option.

5. Can I pin apps both to the desktop and taskbar?
Yes, you can create a desktop shortcut and also pin the same app to your taskbar.

Scroll to Top