Are you tired of searching for Spotify in the Start Menu every time you want to play your favorite music? What if you could launch Spotify instantly with just a single click on your desktop?
Good news — you can! 🎧💻
In this step-by-step guide on how to make a desktop shortcut for Spotify in Windows 11, we will walk you through multiple working methods, whether you installed Spotify from the Microsoft Store or downloaded it directly from Spotify’s website.
Why Create a Desktop Shortcut for Spotify?
Creating a desktop shortcut gives you:
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One-click access to Spotify
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Faster app launch — no need to search in the Start Menu
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A more personalized and productive desktop
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Easier access for kids or beginners
If you love music, convenience matters, right? 🎵✨
✅ Before You Start: How Did You Install Spotify?
Spotify on Windows 11 may come from:
| Installation Method | Where It Was Installed | Shortcut Method |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store | Windows Apps folder | Pin from Start or create from App list |
| Spotify.exe from official website | Program Files folder | Create shortcut directly from folder |
Don’t worry — we’ll cover both cases!
🎧 Method 1: Create a Desktop Shortcut from the Start Menu (Easiest)
This works only if Spotify was installed from the Microsoft Store.
✅ Steps:
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Click the Start Menu
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Search for Spotify
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Right-click Spotify
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Select:
👉 Open file location
(A File Explorer window will appear) -
In the folder, right-click Spotify shortcut
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Select Show more options
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Click Send to → Desktop (create shortcut)
📌 A new Spotify shortcut will instantly appear on your desktop!
🎶 Method 2: Drag and Drop from Start Menu
Prefer drag-and-drop? Easy.
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Open the Start menu
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Locate Spotify under apps
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Hold the left mouse button on Spotify
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Drag it onto the desktop
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Release to create shortcut
✅ Quick, efficient, no menus required!
🎵 Method 3: Create a Shortcut from Installation Folder
This works for both version types, especially if installed via Spotify’s website.
✅ Steps:
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Press Windows + E to open File Explorer
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Navigate to one of the paths below:
If installed from website:
Or:
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Look for Spotify.exe
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Right-click → Show more options
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Select Send to → Desktop (create shortcut)
🎯 Done! Now you have a real shortcut pointing to the executable file.
🖱 Method 4: Use Windows Desktop Shortcut Wizard
If you want to manually set a shortcut path:
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Right-click on empty space on the desktop
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Choose New → Shortcut
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Paste this location (for Store version):
Or browse for Spotify.exe
4. Click Next
5. Name it: Spotify
6. Click Finish
✔ A custom shortcut is now ready!
🟢 Method 5: Pin Spotify to Taskbar or Start Menu (Bonus Tip)
Even better placement? Try pinning it!
Pin to Taskbar:
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Right-click Spotify (Start menu)
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Select Pin to taskbar
Pin to Start:
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Right-click Spotify
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Select Pin to Start
🎧 One click from taskbar = instant music!
🔧 Customizing Your Spotify Shortcut (Optional)
Want your shortcut to look premium? You can change the icon!
Change Icon Steps:
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Right-click your Spotify shortcut
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Select Properties
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Go to Shortcut tab
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Click Change Icon
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Choose an icon or Browse for a downloaded Spotify icon
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Click OK → Apply
✨ Make your desktop stylish!
🛠 Troubleshooting: Shortcut Not Working? Here’s Why
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Shortcut says: Target missing | Recreate shortcut from correct installation folder |
| Spotify Store app won’t open | Reset app via Settings → Apps → Spotify → Reset |
| Shortcut doesn’t show icon | Change icon from Properties (as above) |
| Can’t find Spotify folder | Enable hidden items in File Explorer |
To show hidden files:
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Open View menu → Enable ✅ Hidden items
🎯 Comparison of All Shortcut Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Best For | Requires File Location? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drag from Start Menu | ⭐ Easy | Microsoft Store users | ❌ No |
| Open file location | Easy | Most users | ✔ Yes |
| Create from .exe | Medium | Web download version | ✔ Yes |
| Shortcut Wizard | Medium | Custom paths | ❌ No |
| Pin to Taskbar/Start | Very Easy | Quick access | ❌ No |
💡 Expert Tips for Faster Spotify Access
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Auto-start Spotify when Windows boots
Settings → Spotify → Startup and window behavior -
Put the shortcut in:
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Taskbar
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Start Menu
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Desktop Toolbar
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Create Spotify Playlist shortcut (add webpage shortcut)
More access = more music 🎼
🎤 Final Thoughts — What Did We Learn?
You now know how to make a desktop shortcut for Spotify in Windows 11 using five different methods!
✅ Start Menu shortcut
✅ Installation folder shortcut
✅ Drag-and-drop
✅ Desktop Shortcut Wizard
✅ Taskbar & Start Pinning
No more searching — just click, play, and enjoy 🎧🔥
If you found this guide helpful… feel free to explore more of your Windows 11 customization possibilities!
❓ FAQs — How to Make a Desktop Shortcut for Spotify Windows 11
1️⃣ Why can’t I find Spotify when searching Start Menu?
Because the installation may be corrupted or hidden — reinstall from the Microsoft Store to fix.
2️⃣ Does pinning to the taskbar replace a desktop shortcut?
No — it’s just another quick access option. You can use both together.
3️⃣ Can I place the Spotify shortcut in my Windows Startup folder?
Yes! Place the shortcut in:
4️⃣ Why does the shortcut icon look generic?
You may need to update the icon file manually under Properties → Change Icon.
5️⃣ Is this method the same for Windows 10?
Yes, the steps are nearly identical.
📌 Summary — Key Takeaways
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Right-click → Send to Desktop | Fast shortcut creation |
| Drag from Start Menu | Quickest method |
| Use .exe location | Best for non-Store Spotify installs |
| Pin to Taskbar | Fastest live access |
| Customize icon | Better desktop organization |
🎵 With your new desktop shortcut, Spotify is always one click away!