How to Put Mail Icon on Desktop in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 16, 2025

Do you want quick, one-click access to your email right from your desktop? Adding the Mail icon on desktop in Windows 11 is an easy way to save time and boost productivity. Instead of searching through the Start menu or taskbar, you can open your inbox instantly with just a double-click.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through multiple methods to put the Mail app icon (or any email client) on your Windows 11 desktop. Whether you use the built-in Mail app, Outlook, Gmail, or another service, this step-by-step tutorial will make the process clear and simple.

Why Put the Mail Icon on Your Desktop?

You might wonder: is it worth placing the Mail shortcut on the desktop? The answer is yes, and here’s why:

  • Faster access — Open your inbox with a single click.

  • Better organization — Keep essential apps handy on your desktop.

  • Customization — You decide what icons appear where.

  • Productivity boost — Save time by skipping menus and searches.

It’s like having a shortcut to your favorite room in a house — no need to walk through every hallway to get there.

Methods to Put Mail Icon on Desktop in Windows 11

Windows 11 offers several ways to create a desktop shortcut for Mail. Let’s go step by step.

Method 1: Drag and Drop from Start Menu

  1. Open the Start Menu

    • Click the Start button or press the Windows key.

  2. Locate the Mail App

    • Scroll through the list or type Mail in the search bar.

  3. Drag to Desktop

    • Left-click and hold the Mail app icon.

    • Drag it onto the desktop.

    • Release the mouse to drop the shortcut.

✅ Done! You now have the Mail icon on your desktop.

Method 2: Create a Shortcut Manually

If drag-and-drop doesn’t work, you can create a shortcut:

  1. Right-click on Desktop

    • Choose New > Shortcut.

  2. Enter the App Location

    • For the Mail app, type:

      outlookmail:

    • Click Next.

  3. Name Your Shortcut

    • Type Mail or any name you like.

    • Click Finish.

You’ll now see the Mail icon on your desktop.

Method 3: Pin Mail App to Taskbar and Then Desktop

Another approach:

  1. Open Start Menu and right-click Mail app.

  2. Select Pin to Taskbar.

  3. Hold Shift and drag the Mail icon from the taskbar to the desktop.

This creates a desktop shortcut easily.

Method 4: Use File Explorer to Locate Mail App

Sometimes the Mail app doesn’t show up easily in search. In that case:

  1. Press Windows + R, type:

    shell:AppsFolder

    and press Enter.

  2. A hidden folder with all Windows apps will open.

  3. Find Mail and Calendar.

  4. Right-click it > Create shortcut.

  5. When asked, confirm to place it on the desktop.

Method 5: Add Outlook (or Gmail Shortcut) Instead

If you use Microsoft Outlook or web-based email like Gmail, you can create shortcuts too:

For Outlook Desktop App

  1. Press Windows + S and search Outlook.

  2. Right-click > Open file location.

  3. Copy the shortcut and paste it on the desktop.

For Gmail (Web Shortcut)

  1. Open Google Chrome (or Edge) and go to gmail.com.

  2. Click the three dots menu > More tools > Create shortcut.

  3. Name it Gmail and check Open as window.

  4. It will appear on your desktop like an app.

How to Change the Mail Icon for a Custom Look

Want your desktop to look cleaner or themed? You can customize the Mail icon:

  1. Right-click the Mail shortcut > Properties.

  2. Go to the Shortcut tab > click Change Icon.

  3. Choose from built-in icons or click Browse to select a custom .ico file.

  4. Click Apply and OK.

Now your Mail icon matches your style.

Troubleshooting: Mail Icon Not Showing on Desktop?

If you can’t get the Mail icon to appear, try these fixes:

  • Update Windows — Pending updates may block app shortcuts.

  • Reinstall Mail app — Open Microsoft Store, search Mail and Calendar, reinstall.

  • Check App Permissions — Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Mail and Calendar > Advanced options and reset.

  • Use Outlook or Gmail shortcut as an alternative.

Tips for Better Email Access in Windows 11

  • Pin Mail to Start Menu for quick access.

  • Add Mail to Taskbar for one-click opening.

  • Use Widgets Panel to check new emails at a glance.

  • Sync your accounts (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.) inside the Mail app to manage everything in one place.

Conclusion

Putting the Mail icon on the desktop in Windows 11 is simple and practical. You can do it by dragging from the Start menu, creating a manual shortcut, or using the shell:AppsFolder trick. And if you prefer Outlook or Gmail, shortcuts for those are just as easy to set up.

With this shortcut in place, your emails are always just a click away — no more digging through menus.

FAQs About Mail Icon on Desktop in Windows 11

1. Can I put both Mail and Outlook icons on the desktop?
Yes. You can create shortcuts for both apps and keep them side by side.

2. Does deleting the Mail shortcut uninstall the app?
No. Deleting the shortcut only removes the icon, not the actual Mail app.

3. Can I add Gmail directly to the desktop in Windows 11?
Yes. Use your browser’s “Create shortcut” option to add Gmail as a desktop app.

4. Why can’t I find the Mail app in Windows 11?
It may have been uninstalled. Reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.

5. Can I customize the Mail icon?
Yes. Right-click the shortcut, go to Properties > Change Icon, and choose a new one.

Related Posts:

Scroll to Top