How To Put Gmail Icon On Desktop Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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6 min. read

Published on November 9, 2025

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Having quick access to your Gmail account can significantly improve your productivity. Instead of constantly opening a web browser and navigating to Gmail, placing a Gmail icon directly on your Windows 11 desktop provides instant access with a single click. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to create a desktop shortcut for Gmail, making your email management more efficient.

This article provides a clear, step-by-step approach to adding a Gmail icon to your Windows 11 desktop. We’ll explore several methods, ensuring you find the one that best suits your needs and technical comfort level. Let’s get started and enhance your email accessibility!

Want a Gmail Icon on Your Desktop in Windows 11?

Creating a Gmail Shortcut Using Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge offers a straightforward way to create a desktop shortcut for any website, including Gmail. This method is quick and easy, providing a seamless experience.

Open Microsoft Edge: Launch the Microsoft Edge browser on your Windows 11 computer.
Go to Gmail: Type gmail.com into the address bar and press Enter to access the Gmail website.
Access the Settings Menu: Click the three horizontal dots (ellipsis) in the top-right corner of the Edge browser to open the settings menu.
Navigate to “Apps”: Hover over “Apps” in the dropdown menu.
Select “Install Gmail”: Click on “Install Gmail” in the submenu. This will prompt a pop-up asking if you want to install the app.
Confirm Installation: Click “Install” in the pop-up window. This installs Gmail as an app.
Create Desktop Shortcut: After installation, a new window will appear. Check the box labeled “Create desktop shortcut?”
Allow Auto-Start (Optional): If you want Gmail to launch automatically when you log in, check the “Auto-start on device login” box.
Pin to Taskbar (Optional): If you want to pin Gmail to your taskbar, check the “Pin to taskbar” box.
Click “Allow”: Click the “Allow” button. A Gmail icon will now appear on your desktop.

Making a Desktop Shortcut From Chrome

If you prefer using Google Chrome, you can create a Gmail shortcut with a similar method.

Open Google Chrome: Launch the Google Chrome browser on your Windows 11 computer.
Go to Gmail: Type gmail.com into the address bar and press Enter to access the Gmail website.
Access the Chrome Menu: Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the Chrome browser to open the settings menu.
Navigate to “More tools”: Hover over “More tools” in the dropdown menu.
Select “Create shortcut”: Click on “Create shortcut” in the submenu.
Name the Shortcut: In the pop-up window, name the shortcut “Gmail” (or any name you prefer).
Check “Open as window”: Check the box labeled “Open as window.”
Click “Create”: Click the “Create” button. A Gmail icon will now appear on your desktop.

Creating a Manual Desktop Shortcut

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can manually create a desktop shortcut.

Right-click on the Desktop: Right-click on an empty space on your Windows 11 desktop.
Select “New”: In the context menu, hover over “New.”
Choose “Shortcut”: Click on “Shortcut” in the submenu. This will open the “Create Shortcut” wizard.
Enter the Gmail URL: In the “Type the location of the item” field, enter https://mail.google.com/.
Click “Next”: Click the “Next” button.
Name the Shortcut: In the “Type a name for this shortcut” field, enter “Gmail” (or any name you prefer).
Click “Finish”: Click the “Finish” button. A shortcut icon will appear on your desktop, but it will likely be a generic icon.
Change the Icon (Optional): To change the icon to the Gmail logo, right-click on the shortcut and select “Properties.”
Go to “Web Document” Tab: Click on the “Web Document” tab.
Click “Change Icon”: Click the “Change Icon” button. If prompted that the file contains no icons, type %SystemRoot%\system32\imageres.dll into the field and press Enter.
Select an Icon: Choose an icon from the list, or browse to a location where you have a Gmail icon file (.ico).
Click “OK”: Click “OK” to select the icon.
Click “Apply”: Click “Apply” in the Properties window.
Click “OK”: Click “OK” to close the Properties window. The Gmail icon on your desktop will now display the chosen icon.

Tips

You can drag the Gmail icon to your taskbar to pin it for even quicker access.
If you have multiple Google accounts, consider creating separate shortcuts for each account to avoid confusion.
Regularly update your browser to ensure the shortcut functions correctly with the latest Gmail features.

Easy Gmail Access

Adding a Gmail icon to your Windows 11 desktop is an easy way to improve your email workflow and stay connected. With these simple steps, you can enjoy instant access to your inbox with just a click.

FAQ

How do I change the Gmail icon on my desktop shortcut? Right-click the shortcut, select “Properties,” go to the “Web Document” tab, click “Change Icon,” and select a new icon.

Can I create a Gmail shortcut on my taskbar? Yes, you can drag the Gmail icon from your desktop to your taskbar to pin it for quick access.

Will the Gmail desktop shortcut work if I’m not connected to the internet? No, the shortcut requires an internet connection to access Gmail through your web browser.

Is it safe to create a desktop shortcut for Gmail? Yes, creating a desktop shortcut is safe as long as you are accessing the official Gmail website.

Why is my Gmail shortcut opening in a web browser instead of a separate window? Ensure that when creating the shortcut, you select the “Open as window” option (if available, depending on the method used).

Comparison of Methods

Feature	Microsoft Edge Method	Google Chrome Method	Manual Method
Ease of Use	Very Easy	Very Easy	Moderate
Customization	Limited	Limited	High
Icon Customization	Automatic	Automatic	Manual
Browser Requirement	Edge	Chrome	None
Windowed App Option	Yes	Yes	No (Opens in Browser)