Microsoft Teams is a powerful collaboration tool used for messaging, video calls, and team projects. If you use Teams regularly, having a desktop shortcut makes launching it faster and more convenient. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a Microsoft Teams shortcut on your Windows 11 desktop step by step.
🔑 Key Takeaways
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Desktop shortcuts allow quick access to Microsoft Teams.
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You can create shortcuts via the Start Menu, executable file, or drag-and-drop method.
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Windows 11 supports pinned shortcuts to both the desktop and taskbar for convenience.
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The guide is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require technical expertise.
Why Create a Microsoft Teams Shortcut?
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Speed: Open Teams without searching for it each time.
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Organization: Keep your desktop organized with frequently used apps easily accessible.
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Productivity: Reduce time spent navigating menus or typing in search bars.
Method 1: Create a Teams Shortcut via the Start Menu
Steps:
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Press Windows key to open the Start Menu.
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Type Microsoft Teams in the search bar.
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Right-click the Teams app.
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Select Open file location.
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In the File Explorer window, right-click the Teams icon.
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Select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
✅ A Microsoft Teams shortcut will now appear on your desktop.
Method 2: Create a Shortcut Using the Teams Executable File
If the Start Menu option doesn’t work, you can manually create a shortcut:
Steps:
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Open File Explorer and navigate to:
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Locate Teams.exe.
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Right-click Teams.exe and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
✅ This places a Teams shortcut directly on your desktop.
Method 3: Drag and Drop from Start Menu
Steps:
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Open the Start Menu and locate Microsoft Teams.
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Click and drag the Teams icon onto your desktop.
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Release the mouse to create a shortcut.
✅ This method is quick and works in Windows 11 without navigating file paths.
Pinning Teams Shortcut to Taskbar or Start Menu
For even quicker access, you can pin Teams:
Steps:
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Press Windows key and search for Microsoft Teams.
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Right-click the app.
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Select Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start.
💡 Tip: You can now open Teams directly from your taskbar without using the desktop shortcut.
Customize the Teams Shortcut Icon
You can make your desktop shortcut more visually appealing:
Steps:
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Right-click the Teams shortcut and select Properties.
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Click Change Icon.
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Choose an icon from the list or browse to a custom
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Click OK and Apply.
✅ Your Teams shortcut will now have a custom icon for easier identification.
Troubleshooting
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Teams shortcut not opening: Make sure Teams is installed correctly and the executable path hasn’t changed.
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Teams not installed: Download it from the official Microsoft Teams website.
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AppData folder not visible: Enable hidden files in File Explorer (View > Show > Hidden items).
Conclusion
Creating a Microsoft Teams shortcut on Windows 11 is quick and boosts productivity. You can:
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Use the Start Menu method for simplicity.
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Use the Teams.exe file for manual control.
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Drag-and-drop from the Start Menu for convenience.
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Pin Teams to the taskbar or Start Menu for faster access.
With these steps, you’ll always have Microsoft Teams just a click away.
FAQs: Microsoft Teams Shortcut on Windows 11
1. Can I create a Teams shortcut if I’m using the web version?
Yes, by creating a shortcut from your browser (drag the URL to the desktop).
2. Will the desktop shortcut work after a Teams update?
Yes, as long as Teams remains installed in the default location.
3. Can I rename the Teams shortcut?
Yes, right-click the shortcut and select Rename.
4. How do I remove the Teams shortcut?
Right-click the shortcut and select Delete.
5. Can I create multiple Teams shortcuts for different accounts?
Yes, by creating separate shortcuts for each Teams executable or web link.