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

Do you check Gmail multiple times a day and wish you had a faster way to access it? Instead of opening your browser and typing in the Gmail URL every time, you can add Gmail directly to your desktop for one-click access. In this guide, you’ll learn several ways to add Gmail to your Windows 11 desktop — from creating simple shortcuts to turning Gmail into a dedicated desktop app.

Why Add Gmail to Your Desktop

Here’s why adding Gmail to your desktop is a game changer:

Save Time: One-click access means you’re in your inbox faster.
Better Productivity: No distractions from other browser tabs.
Looks Professional: Having Gmail as an icon feels like using a dedicated email app.
Works Like an App: With the right method, Gmail can run in its own window separate from the browser.

Method 1: Create a Gmail Desktop Shortcut Using Your Browser

The quickest and easiest way to add Gmail to your desktop is by making a shortcut from your browser.

Open Gmail in Your Browser

Launch your preferred browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox).
Go to https://mail.google.com and sign in to your account.

Create a Shortcut in Chrome

Click the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner.
Go to More Tools > Create Shortcut.
Name it “Gmail” and check Open as Window if available.
Click Create — you’ll now see a Gmail icon on your desktop.

Create a Shortcut in Edge

Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
Go to Apps > Install this site as an app.
Name it “Gmail” and click Install.
A Gmail app icon will appear on your desktop and Start menu.

Method 2: Manually Create a Desktop Shortcut

If you prefer to do it manually:

Right-click an empty space on your desktop.
Select New > Shortcut.
In the location box, type:

https://mail.google.com
Click Next, name it “Gmail,” and click Finish.

You now have a clickable shortcut that opens Gmail in your default browser.

Method 3: Pin Gmail to the Taskbar or Start Menu

For even quicker access, you can pin Gmail to your taskbar or Start menu.

Pin from Browser

Open Gmail in Chrome or Edge.
Click the three dots menu.
In Chrome, go to More Tools > Create Shortcut, then right-click the shortcut and select Pin to Taskbar.
In Edge, choose Apps > Manage Apps, right-click Gmail, and choose Pin to Taskbar.

Method 4: Turn Gmail into a Progressive Web App (PWA)

PWAs make Gmail work like a real desktop app, with its own icon and separate window.

Install Gmail as a PWA in Chrome

Open Gmail in Chrome.
Click the Install App icon (looks like a computer screen with a down arrow) in the address bar.
Confirm installation.

Now Gmail will behave like a standalone app, and you can launch it directly from your desktop.

Install Gmail as a PWA in Edge

Open Gmail in Edge.
Click the three-dot menu > Apps > Install this site as an app.
Follow the prompts to install.

Method 5: Use Microsoft Outlook App to Access Gmail

Windows 11 comes with a new Outlook app that can sync your Gmail account.

Open the Mail or Outlook app.
Go to Settings > Add Account.
Choose Google and sign in to your Gmail account.

This will add Gmail as a fully integrated email client on your PC.

Method 6: Create a Browser Profile for Gmail

If Gmail is your primary communication tool, you can dedicate a browser profile to it.

Open Chrome or Edge and create a new profile.
Set Gmail as the home page.
Pin that profile to your taskbar for one-click Gmail access.

Method 7: Use a Third-Party Gmail Client

If you prefer a native app experience without using a browser, try tools like:

Mailspring – Free and open-source Gmail client.
Mailbird – Popular email client with Gmail integration.
Shift – Lets you manage multiple Gmail accounts in one place.

These apps run independently of your browser and support notifications.

Tips for the Best Gmail Desktop Experience

Enable Notifications: In Gmail, go to Settings > See all settings > General > Desktop notifications and turn them on.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Press Shift + ? in Gmail to see a list of time-saving shortcuts.
Bookmark Multiple Accounts: If you use multiple Gmail accounts, create separate shortcuts for each.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Shortcut Doesn’t Open Gmail

Check if your internet connection is active.
Make sure the shortcut points to the correct URL: https://mail.google.com.

Gmail Opens in Wrong Browser

Change your default browser in Settings > Apps > Default Apps and select your preferred browser for web links.

No Install App Option in Chrome

Update your browser to the latest version.
Make sure Gmail is fully loaded (not in basic HTML view).

Security Considerations

Always sign out when using Gmail on shared PCs.
Enable 2-Step Verification for extra security.
Avoid saving passwords on public or work computers.

Organizing Gmail on Desktop

Place the Gmail shortcut in a dedicated Email folder on your desktop.
Use a consistent icon (download a Gmail logo if you like) for a cleaner look.

Advantages of Having Gmail on Desktop

Faster workflow — no need to open a browser and search for Gmail
Reduced distractions — focus on emails without extra tabs
Offline mode support (with PWAs and apps)
Dedicated notifications — never miss an important email

Conclusion

Adding Gmail to your desktop on Windows 11 is a simple tweak that can make your workflow faster and more efficient. Whether you prefer a quick shortcut, a pinned taskbar icon, or a full Progressive Web App experience, there’s an option that works for you. Spend a few minutes setting it up today, and enjoy instant access to your inbox from now on.

FAQs

Q1: Can I add multiple Gmail accounts to my desktop?
Yes. Create separate shortcuts for each account or add them all in the Outlook app.

Q2: Will Gmail work offline if I add it to my desktop?
Yes, if you install it as a PWA and enable Gmail’s Offline Mode in settings.

Q3: Is it safe to add Gmail to my desktop?
Yes, as long as you use official methods (browser shortcuts, PWAs, or trusted apps).

Q4: Can I change the Gmail desktop shortcut icon?
Yes, right-click the shortcut > Properties > Change Icon and choose a custom Gmail icon.

Q5: What’s the easiest method for beginners?
Using Chrome’s Create Shortcut or Edge’s Install App option is the fastest and most beginner-friendly method.