How To Create A Desktop Shortcut On Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on October 27, 2025

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Creating desktop shortcuts in Windows 11 is a fundamental skill for anyone looking to streamline their computer usage. Shortcuts provide quick access to frequently used applications, files, folders, and even websites. Instead of navigating through menus or file directories, a simple double-click on a desktop shortcut can instantly launch the desired item, saving you valuable time and effort.

This guide will walk you through the process of creating desktop shortcuts on Windows 11, covering various methods to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, you’ll find clear and concise instructions to customize your desktop for optimal efficiency.

How Do I Make a Shortcut on My Windows 11 Desktop?

Creating a Shortcut from the Start Menu

The Start Menu is a central hub for all your applications, making it a convenient place to create desktop shortcuts.

Click the Start button on the taskbar.
Locate the application you want to create a shortcut for. You can scroll through the list or use the search bar.
Right-click on the application’s icon.
Select More from the context menu.
Choose Open file location. This will open File Explorer in the folder containing the application’s shortcut.
Right-click on the application’s shortcut in File Explorer.
Select Show more options.
Choose Create shortcut. Windows will prompt you that the shortcut cannot be created in the same location and will ask if you want to create it on the desktop.
Click Yes. The shortcut will now appear on your desktop.

Creating a Shortcut from File Explorer

File Explorer provides direct access to all your files and folders, allowing you to create shortcuts for any item within your system.

Open File Explorer by clicking its icon on the taskbar or pressing Windows key + E.
Navigate to the file, folder, or application you want to create a shortcut for.
Right-click on the item.
Select Show more options.
Choose Create shortcut. The shortcut will be created in the same location.
Drag the shortcut from its current location to your desktop.

Creating a Shortcut Using the Right-Click Menu on the Desktop

This method is the quickest way to create a shortcut to a specific file path, website, or command.

Right-click on an empty area of your desktop.
Select New from the context menu.
Choose Shortcut. This will open the “Create Shortcut” wizard.
In the “Type the location of the item” field, enter the path to the file, folder, application, or website you want to create a shortcut for. You can also click Browse to locate the item.
Click Next.
Enter a name for the shortcut.
Click Finish. The shortcut will now appear on your desktop.

Customizing Your Shortcuts

Once you’ve created a shortcut, you can customize its appearance and behavior to further enhance your desktop experience.

Rename a Shortcut: Right-click on the shortcut, select Rename, and type a new name.
Change the Icon: Right-click on the shortcut, select Properties, go to the Shortcut tab, click Change Icon, and choose a new icon from the list or browse for a custom icon file.
Set a Keyboard Shortcut: Right-click on the shortcut, select Properties, go to the Shortcut tab, click in the Shortcut key field, and press the key combination you want to use to launch the shortcut.

Comparison of Shortcut Creation Methods

Here’s a quick comparison table to help you decide which method is best for you based on your needs. Each method offers a slightly different approach, so understanding their strengths can save you time.

Method	Best For	Complexity	Speed
Start Menu	Creating shortcuts for installed applications	Medium	Moderate
File Explorer	Creating shortcuts for files and folders within your system	Easy	Fast
Right-Click Menu on Desktop	Creating shortcuts for specific file paths and websites	Easy	Very Fast

Tips for Efficient Shortcut Management

Effective shortcut management can significantly improve your workflow and keep your desktop organized.

Organize Shortcuts into Folders: Create folders on your desktop to group related shortcuts together.
Use Descriptive Names: Give your shortcuts clear and descriptive names to easily identify their purpose.
Regularly Review and Remove Unused Shortcuts: Periodically clean up your desktop by deleting shortcuts you no longer use.
Pin Important Shortcuts to the Taskbar or Start Menu: For frequently used items, consider pinning them to the taskbar or Start Menu for even quicker access.

Desktop Shortcuts for Quick Access

Creating desktop shortcuts in Windows 11 is a simple yet powerful way to improve your productivity and streamline your workflow. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily create shortcuts for your favorite applications, files, folders, and websites, making them readily accessible with just a double-click.

FAQ

How do I change the icon of a shortcut in Windows 11? Right-click the shortcut, select “Properties,” go to the “Shortcut” tab, click “Change Icon,” and choose a new icon.

Can I create a shortcut to a website on my desktop? Yes, right-click on the desktop, select “New,” then “Shortcut,” and enter the website URL in the location field.

How do I delete a shortcut from my desktop? Right-click the shortcut and select “Delete.” This only deletes the shortcut, not the original file or application.

Why is my shortcut not working? The target file or application may have been moved or deleted. Check the shortcut’s properties to ensure the target path is correct.

Is there a limit to the number of shortcuts I can have on my desktop? While there’s no hard limit, having too many shortcuts can clutter your desktop and slow down performance.