How to Add Apps to Home Screen on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 11 brings a refreshed, modern interface that feels cleaner and more user-friendly than ever before. But if you’ve recently upgraded, you might be wondering: how do I add apps to the home screen (Start menu or desktop) in Windows 11?

Whether you want quick access to your favorite apps, a clutter-free workflow, or a personalized setup, this step-by-step guide will walk you through all the different methods to add apps to the home screen on Windows 11.

Table of Contents

🔑 Key Takeaways

In Windows 11, the “home screen” usually refers to the Start menu (Pinned section) or the desktop.
You can pin apps to the Start menu, taskbar, or desktop for easy access.
Right-click menus, drag-and-drop, and Settings all provide ways to customize app placement.
Customizing your home screen improves productivity and reduces time spent searching.

What Does “Home Screen” Mean in Windows 11?

Unlike smartphones, Windows doesn’t technically have a “home screen.” Instead, users typically mean one of these:

Start menu (Pinned section): The grid where your apps appear when you press the Windows key.
Desktop: The main screen where icons, shortcuts, and files are visible.
Taskbar: The strip at the bottom of the screen where apps can be pinned.

This guide covers all three, so you can decide how you want to set up your Windows 11 “home screen.”

Why Add Apps to Your Home Screen?

Adding apps to your home screen makes your PC feel more like your space. Benefits include:

Faster access → no more digging through the All Apps list.
Personalization → keep your most-used apps at your fingertips.
Better workflow → group related apps together for productivity.

How to Add Apps to the Start Menu (Pinned Section)

The Start menu is one of the most common places users want quick access.

Method 1: Pin Apps from the Start Menu

Press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
Find the app under All Apps.
Right-click the app and select Pin to Start.
The app will now appear in the Pinned section at the top of the Start menu.

👉 You can drag and rearrange pinned apps to organize them however you like.

Method 2: Pin Apps from Search

Press Windows + S to open Search.
Type the name of the app.
Right-click the app and select Pin to Start.

This is useful if you don’t want to scroll through the app list.

How to Add Apps to the Desktop

Some users prefer having shortcuts directly on the desktop.

Method 1: Create a Desktop Shortcut

Press Windows + S to open Search.
Type the app name.
Right-click it and select Open file location.
In File Explorer, right-click the app shortcut and choose Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

Method 2: Drag from Start Menu

Open the Start menu.
Find the app you want.
Drag it from the menu onto your desktop.

👉 This instantly creates a shortcut.

How to Add Apps to the Taskbar

The taskbar is like a mini home screen at the bottom of your display.

Steps:

Open the Start menu.
Right-click the app.
Select Pin to taskbar.

Now the app stays visible at all times, even if other windows are open.

How to Organize and Customize Your Home Screen Apps

Group apps together: On the Start menu, drag one app over another to create a folder.
Resize icons: Right-click pinned apps > choose Resize.
Unpin apps you don’t need: Right-click > Unpin from Start or Unpin from taskbar.
Arrange by priority: Place most-used apps at the top left (closest to your cursor movement).

Pro Tips for a Clean Windows 11 Home Screen

Keep only essentials pinned (too many apps cause clutter).
Use folders for categories like “Work,” “Games,” or “Social.”
Combine desktop shortcuts with taskbar pins for a balanced setup.
Enable Search highlights off if you prefer a distraction-free Start menu.

Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Add Apps to My Home Screen?

App not showing in Start: Reinstall or check if it’s hidden in All Apps.
Can’t create desktop shortcut: Some Microsoft Store apps don’t allow direct shortcuts — instead, pin them to Start or taskbar.
Pinned apps disappear after restart: Corrupted Start menu settings may require a reset (via Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Reset Start menu).

Quick Comparison: Start Menu vs Desktop vs Taskbar

Location	Best For	Pros	Cons
Start Menu	General quick access	Organized, folders possible	Requires opening menu
Desktop	Visual access	Drag-and-drop shortcuts	Can look cluttered
Taskbar	Always visible	Fastest access	Limited space

Conclusion

Adding apps to your Windows 11 home screen is simple once you know the right methods. Whether you prefer the Start menu, desktop, or taskbar, you can fully customize your setup to match your workflow.

👉 Remember:

Use Pin to Start for Start menu access.
Use Send to Desktop for quick desktop shortcuts.
Use Pin to taskbar for always-visible apps.

With these steps, you’ll never waste time hunting for your favorite apps again.

FAQs About Adding Apps to the Home Screen on Windows 11

1. How do I pin apps to the Start menu in Windows 11?
Right-click the app in the Start menu or search results, then select Pin to Start.

2. Can I add Microsoft Store apps to the desktop?
Yes, but some require pinning to Start first before creating a shortcut.

3. How do I remove apps from the Start menu?
Right-click the pinned app and select Unpin from Start.

4. What’s the difference between pinning to Start and pinning to taskbar?
The Start menu requires pressing the Windows key, while taskbar icons are always visible.

5. Can I rearrange pinned apps?
Yes. Drag apps within the Start menu or taskbar to reorder them.