How To Make A Desktop Shortcut In Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on October 17, 2025

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Creating desktop shortcuts in Windows 11 is a simple yet powerful way to quickly access your favorite applications, files, and websites. Instead of navigating through menus or file explorer every time, a desktop shortcut provides instant access with a single click. This guide will walk you through the process of creating desktop shortcuts in Windows 11, making your digital life more efficient and convenient.

Whether you’re a seasoned Windows user or new to the operating system, understanding how to create and customize desktop shortcuts can significantly improve your workflow. This step-by-step guide will cover various methods, including creating shortcuts for applications, files, folders, and even websites. By the end of this article, you’ll be a shortcut pro!

Want a Windows 11 Desktop Shortcut? Here’s How

Creating a Shortcut for an Application

This is the most common type of shortcut. Here’s how to create one:

Right-click on an empty area of your desktop.
Select “New” from the context menu.
Click on “Shortcut”.
Click the “Browse…” button.
Navigate to the application’s executable file (.exe). This is usually located in the “Program Files” or “Program Files (x86)” folder on your C: drive.
Select the application and click “OK”.
Click “Next”.
Enter a name for the shortcut. This will be the text displayed under the icon on your desktop.
Click “Finish”.

Creating a Shortcut for a File or Folder

Creating a shortcut to a specific file or folder is just as easy:

Right-click on the file or folder you want to create a shortcut for.
Select “Show more options” (this step might not be necessary on all systems).
Click “Create shortcut”.
A new shortcut will be created in the same location as the original file or folder.
Drag the shortcut to your desktop.

Creating a Shortcut for a Website

Access your favorite websites directly from your desktop:

Right-click on an empty area of your desktop.
Select “New” from the context menu.
Click on “Shortcut”.
Type the URL of the website in the “Type the location of the item” field.
Click “Next”.
Enter a name for the shortcut. This will be the text displayed under the icon on your desktop.
Click “Finish”.

Customizing Your Shortcuts

Personalize your shortcuts to make them easily identifiable:

Right-click on the shortcut you want to customize.
Select “Properties”.
Click the “Shortcut” tab.
Click “Change Icon…”.
Select an icon from the list or browse to a custom icon file (.ico).
Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Pinning Applications to the Taskbar or Start Menu

Beyond desktop shortcuts, you can also pin applications for even faster access:

Find the application you want to pin. You can search for it in the Start menu or File Explorer.
Right-click on the application.
Select “Pin to taskbar” or “Pin to Start”.

Deleting a Shortcut

Removing a shortcut is simple and doesn’t affect the original file:

Right-click on the shortcut you want to delete.
Select “Delete”.
Confirm the deletion if prompted.

Troubleshooting Shortcut Issues

Sometimes shortcuts might not work as expected. Here are some common issues and solutions:

Broken shortcut: If the target file has been moved or deleted, the shortcut will be broken. Recreate the shortcut or update the target path in the shortcut’s properties.
Icon not displaying: Clear the icon cache. Search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu, run it, and select “Thumbnails” to clean.
Shortcut not working: Ensure the target application is installed and the path in the shortcut’s properties is correct.

Tips for Effective Shortcut Management

Organize your shortcuts: Create folders on your desktop to group related shortcuts.
Use descriptive names: Choose names that clearly indicate the purpose of the shortcut.
Regularly review your shortcuts: Delete any shortcuts that are no longer needed to keep your desktop clean and organized.

Feature	Desktop Shortcut	Taskbar Pin	Start Menu Pin
Location	Desktop	Taskbar	Start Menu
Visibility	Always Visible	Always Visible	Requires opening Start Menu
Customization	High	Limited	Limited
Quick Access	Yes	Yes	Yes

Easy Access at Your Fingertips

Creating desktop shortcuts in Windows 11 is a straightforward way to streamline your workflow and access your frequently used applications, files, and websites with ease. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can customize your desktop and improve your overall computing experience.

FAQ

How do I change the icon of a shortcut? Right-click the shortcut, select “Properties,” click the “Shortcut” tab, and then click “Change Icon.”

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

What happens if I delete a shortcut? Deleting a shortcut only removes the shortcut itself; the original file or application remains unaffected.

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

How do I create a shortcut to a folder? Right-click the folder, select “Show more options” (if needed), and then click “Create shortcut.” Drag the shortcut to your desktop.