How to Create Chrome Shortcut on Desktop in Windows 11: A Guide

By / October 3, 2025

Do you want quick access to Google Chrome from your desktop on Windows 11? Instead of opening the Start menu every time, creating a desktop shortcut saves time and makes your workflow faster.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a Chrome shortcut on your desktop in Windows 11 step by step. We’ll also cover tips for pinning to taskbar, customizing icons, and creating website-specific shortcuts.

Summary (Key Takeaways)

  • A Chrome desktop shortcut gives one-click access to your browser.

  • You can create a shortcut via:

    • Start Menu drag-and-drop

    • Chrome App options

    • Right-click > New > Shortcut

  • You can also create website-specific shortcuts for instant access.

  • Customizing the shortcut icon is easy using Windows settings or downloaded icons.

Why Create a Chrome Shortcut on Desktop?

  • ⚡ Faster access — open Chrome instantly.

  • 🖥️ Better organization — keep frequently used apps handy.

  • 🌐 Website shortcuts — open favorite sites directly from your desktop.

  • 🛠️ Productivity boost — reduces time spent navigating menus.

Method 1: Drag Chrome from Start Menu to Desktop

This is the simplest method.

Steps:

  1. Press Win to open the Start menu.

  2. Scroll to Google Chrome under apps.

  3. Click and drag Chrome to your desktop.

  4. Release the mouse button. A shortcut appears automatically.

✅ Works for users who want a basic shortcut without any customization.

Method 2: Create Shortcut via Right-Click Menu

You can also create a shortcut manually.

Steps:

  1. Right-click on your desktop.

  2. Select New > Shortcut.

  3. In the location field, type:

    "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe"

    (Adjust if Chrome is installed in a different folder.)

  4. Click Next, then name your shortcut Google Chrome.

  5. Click Finish.

✅ Works for users who want full control over the shortcut location.

Method 3: Create Website-Specific Shortcut

Windows 11 allows you to create a shortcut that opens a specific website directly in Chrome.

Steps:

  1. Open Chrome and go to the website (e.g., https://www.google.com).

  2. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.

  3. Go to More tools > Create shortcut…

  4. Name the shortcut and optionally check Open as window.

  5. Click Create.

The shortcut will appear on your desktop, and clicking it opens the website directly in Chrome.

Method 4: Pin Chrome Shortcut to Taskbar (Optional)

For even faster access:

  1. Right-click the desktop Chrome shortcut.

  2. Select Show more options > Pin to taskbar.

  3. Chrome now appears on your taskbar for one-click access.

Method 5: Customize Chrome Shortcut Icon

Want a personalized desktop shortcut?

Steps:

  1. Right-click the Chrome shortcut > Properties.

  2. Click Change Icon… under the Shortcut tab.

  3. Choose an icon from the default list or browse for downloaded .ico files.

  4. Click OK, then Apply.

✅ Perfect for users who want customized icons for organization or aesthetics.

Troubleshooting Chrome Shortcuts

Issue Solution
Shortcut doesn’t open Chrome Check installation path and update shortcut target
Website shortcut opens in default browser Set Chrome as default browser in Settings > Apps > Default Apps
Shortcut icon not changing Use .ico files and restart Windows Explorer

Tips for Managing Chrome Shortcuts

  • Keep desktop organized with folders for shortcuts.

  • Create shortcuts for your most-visited websites to save clicks.

  • Combine desktop shortcuts + taskbar pinning for maximum efficiency.

  • Rename shortcuts with clear names to avoid confusion.

Conclusion

Creating a Chrome shortcut on your Windows 11 desktop is easy and improves your workflow. Whether you want quick access to Chrome itself or a shortcut to your favorite website, you have multiple options:

  • Drag from Start Menu

  • Right-click > New > Shortcut

  • Chrome’s “Create shortcut” feature for websites

Customize icons and pin the shortcut to the taskbar for even faster access.

By following this guide, you can open Chrome or any website in one click and improve your productivity.

FAQs About Chrome Shortcuts on Windows 11

1. Can I create multiple website shortcuts in Chrome?
Yes, repeat the “Create shortcut” process for each website.

2. Why doesn’t my desktop shortcut work?
Check that the shortcut target points to the correct Chrome path.

3. Can I move Chrome shortcut to another folder?
Yes, just drag and drop it anywhere on your PC.

4. Does customizing the icon affect Chrome itself?
No, it only changes the shortcut icon.

5. Can I pin a website shortcut to the Start menu?
Yes, right-click the shortcut and select Pin to Start.

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