How to Move Apps to Desktop in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 9, 2025

Want quick access to your favorite apps on your Windows 11 desktop? Whether it’s Microsoft Word, Chrome, or your favorite game, moving apps to the desktop helps you launch them faster and stay organized.

In this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to move apps to the desktop in Windows 11 — step by step. We’ll also cover multiple methods, from the simple drag-and-drop technique to creating custom shortcuts, using the Start Menu, File Explorer, and even advanced options like pinned icons and context menus.

Why Move Apps to the Desktop in Windows 11?

The Windows 11 desktop is your main workspace — where convenience meets productivity. Placing app shortcuts here can:

  • Save time — no need to open the Start Menu or search every time.

  • Improve workflow — access key programs instantly.

  • Boost organization — group related apps (like Office tools or design software).

  • Personalize your PC — arrange your most-used apps your way.

Think of your desktop as a quick-access dashboard — your “control center” for daily computing.

⚙️ 2. Understanding How App Shortcuts Work

Before moving apps, it helps to understand the difference between apps and shortcuts:

Term Description
App (Program) The actual software file stored in your system (usually .exe or Microsoft Store app).
Shortcut A small file that points to the app’s location — allowing you to launch it easily.

When you “move” an app to your desktop, you’re usually creating a shortcut, not moving the actual program files. This keeps your PC stable and organized.

🪟 3. Different Methods to Move Apps to the Desktop

Windows 11 gives you several easy ways to move apps or create desktop shortcuts:

  • From the Start Menu

  • From File Explorer

  • Using Search

  • Using Taskbar shortcuts

  • Using the Send to > Desktop command

  • From Microsoft Store apps

  • By creating custom shortcuts manually

Let’s go through each one step-by-step.

📂 4. How to Move Apps to the Desktop from the Start Menu

The Start Menu is the quickest way to move installed apps to your desktop.

🧩 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Click the Start button or press Windows key.

  2. Locate the app you want to move.

  3. Click and drag the app icon to the desktop.

  4. Release the mouse button.

✅ A shortcut will instantly appear on your desktop.

If dragging doesn’t work, use this alternative method:

  1. Right-click the app.

  2. Select More > Open file location.

  3. Right-click the app’s shortcut → Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

That’s it! You now have the app on your desktop.

🗂️ 5. How to Move Apps to the Desktop from File Explorer

If the app doesn’t appear in the Start Menu, you can manually locate it in File Explorer.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

  2. Navigate to the folder where your program is installed (e.g., C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86)).

  3. Find the app’s .exe file.

  4. Right-click the file → Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

You’ll now see a shortcut on your desktop that launches the program directly.

🏬 6. How to Move Microsoft Store Apps to Desktop

Microsoft Store apps are slightly different — they don’t use traditional .exe files. But you can still add them to your desktop easily.

Method 1: From the Start Menu

  1. Click Start.

  2. Find your app (e.g., Spotify, Netflix).

  3. Drag it directly to the desktop.

If drag-and-drop doesn’t work:

Method 2: Create a Manual Shortcut

  1. Open Run (Windows + R).

  2. Type:

    shell:AppsFolder

    Press Enter.

  3. Find your app in the list.

  4. Right-click it → Create shortcut.

  5. Click Yes when asked to place it on the desktop.

✅ Done — the shortcut for your Microsoft Store app will appear on your desktop.

⚡ 7. How to Move Traditional (.exe) Apps to Desktop

For programs installed from outside the Microsoft Store (like Photoshop, VLC, or Chrome):

  1. Right-click on the Start button.

  2. Select File Explorer.

  3. Browse to where the app is installed (usually in C:\Program Files).

  4. Find the main .exe file.

  5. Right-click it → Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

This creates a safe shortcut without moving the original application files.

🌐 8. How to Move Web Apps to Desktop

You can also move web-based apps (like Gmail, YouTube, or ChatGPT) to your desktop for one-click access.

Using Microsoft Edge:

  1. Open the website in Edge.

  2. Click the three dots (⋯) in the top-right corner.

  3. Go to Apps > Install this site as an app.

  4. Once installed, go to Start > All apps, find the app, and drag it to your desktop.

Using Google Chrome:

  1. Open the website.

  2. Click the three dots (⋮) → Save and share > Create shortcut.

  3. Check Open as window if available.

  4. Click Create.

The web app will appear on your desktop as a shortcut.

🔍 9. How to Move Apps Using Search

If you can’t find the app in Start or File Explorer, use Windows Search.

Steps:

  1. Click the Search icon or press Windows + S.

  2. Type the app’s name (e.g., “Paint” or “Calculator”).

  3. Right-click the result → Open file location.

  4. In the folder that opens, right-click the app → Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

Simple and effective!

📌 10. How to Move Apps Using the Taskbar

If you already pinned the app to your taskbar, you can use that shortcut to make a desktop icon.

  1. Right-click the app’s icon on the taskbar.

  2. Right-click the app name again (in the pop-up).

  3. Select Properties.

  4. Click Open File Location.

  5. Right-click the app → Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

📤 11. How to Move Apps to Desktop Using the “Send to” Option

This method works for almost any app file.

  1. Locate the app or its shortcut in File Explorer.

  2. Right-click it.

  3. Select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

✅ A shortcut appears instantly on your desktop.

📦 12. How to Move Apps from Downloads or Other Folders

If you’ve downloaded an app installer or portable software, it may be sitting in your Downloads folder.

  1. Open File Explorer → go to Downloads.

  2. Find the app’s main file (e.g., app.exe).

  3. Right-click → Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

  4. Optionally, move the original app folder to Program Files for better organization.

🧹 13. How to Organize Apps After Moving Them to Desktop

Now that your apps are on the desktop, let’s organize them neatly.

Tips:

  • Group similar apps (e.g., Office apps in one corner, games in another).

  • Rename shortcuts (Right-click → Rename).

  • Use folders:

    • Right-click desktop → New > Folder.

    • Name it (e.g., “Work Apps”).

    • Drag apps into it.

  • Auto-arrange icons:

    • Right-click desktop → View > Auto arrange icons.

  • Hide clutter:

    • Right-click desktop → View > Show desktop icons (toggle off to hide temporarily).

🧰 14. How to Create Custom Desktop Shortcuts

If you can’t find an app’s shortcut anywhere, you can create one manually.

Steps:

  1. Right-click desktop → New > Shortcut.

  2. In the location box, type or paste the path to the app’s .exe file.
    Example:

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

  3. Click Next, name your shortcut (e.g., “Google Chrome”).

  4. Click Finish.

You can even change the icon:

  • Right-click the shortcut → Properties → Change icon → Select an icon and click OK.

🧩 15. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem Cause Solution
Can’t drag app from Start Menu System restriction Use Open file location method
“Send to Desktop” missing Context menu issue Use manual shortcut creation
Shortcut doesn’t open app Wrong path Check shortcut target in Properties
Microsoft Store app missing Uninstalled or hidden Reinstall via Microsoft Store
Apps disappear from desktop Hidden icons or sync settings Right-click → View > Show desktop icons

💡 16. Expert Tips for a Clean, Productive Desktop

Here’s how to make your desktop both functional and beautiful:

  • Use wallpaper contrast: Choose a background that makes icons visible.

  • Pin essential apps to taskbar and keep less-used ones on desktop.

  • Sort icons alphabetically for easier navigation.

  • Use Fences or similar tools to group icons in visual sections.

  • Backup your desktop layout with cloud sync (OneDrive or Google Drive).

🏁 17. Conclusion

Moving apps to the desktop in Windows 11 is one of the simplest ways to boost productivity and convenience.

You learned several methods, including:
✅ Dragging from Start Menu
✅ Using File Explorer or “Send to Desktop”
✅ Creating custom shortcuts
✅ Managing Microsoft Store and web apps

By organizing your desktop and customizing app placement, you can work faster and keep your PC clutter-free.

So go ahead — personalize your workspace, make it efficient, and enjoy a smoother Windows 11 experience!

🧾 Key Takeaways

Tip Summary
Drag apps from Start Menu Fastest method
Use “Send to > Desktop” Works for any program
For Microsoft Store apps Use shell:AppsFolder command
Create manual shortcuts For hidden or portable apps
Keep desktop tidy Use folders and alignment options

❓ 18. FAQs About Moving Apps to Desktop in Windows 11

1. Can I move Microsoft Store apps to the desktop?

Yes. Open Run → shell:AppsFolder, right-click your app, and choose Create shortcut to place it on the desktop.

2. Why can’t I drag apps from the Start Menu to the desktop?

Some system apps are protected. Try right-clicking the app → More > Open file location → Send to > Desktop.

3. Does moving apps to desktop slow down my PC?

No — it only creates shortcuts, which are lightweight files that don’t affect performance.

4. Can I move folders or files to the desktop too?

Yes, use drag-and-drop or the Send to > Desktop option for files, folders, or documents.

5. How do I remove an app from the desktop?

Simply right-click → Delete the shortcut. The actual app remains installed on your PC.

✅ Final Word:
Your desktop is the front door to your Windows 11 experience — and moving apps there can make your daily computing faster, smarter, and more personal. Follow these simple steps and organize your workspace like a pro.

Related Posts:

Best Laptop Cases 99% OFF

Buy Now
X
Scroll to Top