Tired of digging through the Start menu to open your favorite apps? The easiest solution is to create a shortcut — either on your desktop, taskbar, or Start menu. Windows 11 makes this super simple, and once you learn how, you can launch any app with just a click.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through several methods to create shortcuts for apps in Windows 11, so you can pick the one that works best for you.
Why Create Shortcuts in Windows 11?
Creating shortcuts is all about convenience. Here’s why you should do it:
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Save Time: Open your favorite apps with a single click.
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Stay Organized: Keep your desktop clean but still have quick access.
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Boost Productivity: No more scrolling through the Start menu or search bar.
Method 1: Create a Desktop Shortcut for an App
This is the most common way to make a shortcut.
Step 1: Open Start Menu
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Press the Windows key or click the Start button on the taskbar.
Step 2: Find Your App
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Search for the app you want (e.g., Chrome, Word, Spotify).
Step 3: Drag to Desktop
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Click and hold the app’s icon.
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Drag it to the desktop and release.
Boom! You just created a desktop shortcut.
Method 2: Use the Right-Click Menu in Start Menu
Another quick way to do it:
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Open Start Menu.
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Find the app, right-click it, and select Open file location (if available).
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In the File Explorer window that opens, right-click the app’s shortcut.
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Select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
Method 3: Manually Create a Shortcut
You can also manually create one yourself.
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Right-click on an empty area of your desktop.
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Select New > Shortcut.
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Browse for the app’s
.exefile (usually inC:\Program FilesorC:\Program Files (x86)). -
Click Next, name your shortcut, then click Finish.
This method is great for apps that don’t appear in the Start menu.
Method 4: Pin an App to Taskbar
Want an app always within reach? Pin it to your taskbar.
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Open Start Menu and find your app.
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Right-click it and choose Pin to taskbar.
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It will now stay visible at the bottom of your screen.
Method 5: Pin an App to Start Menu
You can also keep it in your Start menu for quicker access.
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Right-click your app in the Start menu.
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Select Pin to Start.
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It will appear as a tile in the Start menu.
Method 6: Create a Keyboard Shortcut for the App
Want to launch it with a keystroke?
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Right-click the shortcut you created on the desktop.
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Select Properties.
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In the Shortcut key field, press the key combination you want (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + C).
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Click Apply and then OK.
Now you can open the app with that shortcut key anytime.
Tips for Managing Shortcuts
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Group Similar Apps: Keep work apps on one side, entertainment apps on another.
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Rename Shortcuts: Right-click > Rename to give them custom names.
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Use Folders: Create a desktop folder like “Work Tools” and store multiple shortcuts inside.
Conclusion
Creating shortcuts in Windows 11 is a simple but powerful way to speed up your workflow. Whether you drag and drop from the Start menu, manually create one, or pin it to the taskbar, you can make launching apps almost instant.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make a shortcut for a folder too?
Yes! Right-click the folder, select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut), and you’re done.
Q2: Can I delete a shortcut without uninstalling the app?
Yes — deleting a shortcut won’t uninstall the app, it just removes the quick access link.
Q3: Where can I find the .exe file for apps not in the Start menu?
Most are in C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86) inside a folder with the app’s name.
Q4: Can I change the icon of a shortcut?
Yes. Right-click the shortcut, choose Properties > Change Icon, and pick a new icon.
Q5: Can I create shortcuts for websites?
Yes! Open the website in your browser, drag the lock icon (next to the URL) onto your desktop.