Creating shortcuts on desktop has always been a handy feature for Windows users. With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft has made it easier to create shortcuts on your desktop. In this article, we will be discussing 12 easy steps on how to create shortcuts on desktop in Windows 11. From the basic drag-and-drop method to advanced taskbar methods, we will cover everything. So let’s get started!
Step by Step Guide: How to Create Shortcut on Desktop Windows 11
Step 1: Finding the App or File for Creating a Shortcut
The first step in creating a shortcut is to find the file or app for which you want to create a shortcut. This could be any file or app that you frequently use. To do that, you can use the search feature on the taskbar, or navigate to the file or app through the Start menu. Once you have found the app or file, simply right-click on it and select “Create shortcut”.
Step 2: Pin App to Start Menu
If you frequently use a specific app, you can pin it to the Start menu for quick access. To pin an app to the Start menu, simply right-click on it and select “Pin to Start”. The app will now appear on the Start menu, and you can drag and drop it to your desktop to create a shortcut.
Step 3: Drag and Drop Files or App to Desktop
One of the easiest ways to create a shortcut on desktop is to use the drag-and-drop method. Simply locate the file or app that you want to create a shortcut for, click and hold, and drag it to your desktop. A new shortcut icon will be created on your desktop.
Step 4: Use File Explorer
Another way to create a shortcut is to use File Explorer. To do this, open File Explorer and navigate to the file or app that you want to create a shortcut for. Right-click on the file or app and select “Create shortcut”. The shortcut will now be created on your desktop.
Step 5: Use the Run Dialog Box
You can also use the Run dialog box to create a shortcut. To do this, press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type the path to the app or file that you want to create a shortcut for, and press Enter. Right-click on the app or file and select “Create shortcut”. The shortcut will now be created on your desktop.
Step 6: Use the Send to Menu
Another handy way to create a shortcut is to use the Send to menu. To do this, right-click on the file or app that you want to create a shortcut for and select “Send to”. From the list of options, select “Desktop (create shortcut)”. The shortcut will now be created on your desktop.
Step 7: Pin to Taskbar
If you frequently use a specific app, you can pin it to the taskbar for quick access. To do this, right-click on the app and select “Pin to taskbar”. The app will now appear on your taskbar, and you can drag and drop it to your desktop to create a shortcut.
Step 8: Use the Command Prompt
You can also use the Command Prompt to create a shortcut. To do this, open the Command Prompt and navigate to the directory of the app or file that you want to create a shortcut for. Type “mklink /d filename.lnk destination” and press Enter. The shortcut will now be created on your desktop.
Step 9: Use the Taskbar Menu
Another way to create a shortcut is to use the taskbar menu. To do this, right-click on the app on the taskbar and select “Create shortcut”. The shortcut will now be created on your desktop.
Step 10: Use the Desktop Toolbar
You can also add a desktop toolbar to your taskbar for quick access to your desktop. To do this, right-click on the taskbar and select “Toolbars” > “Desktop”. You can now access your desktop from the taskbar.
Step 11: Customize Shortcut Icons
Once you have created a shortcut, you can customize the icon to make it more visually appealing. To do this, right-click on the shortcut and select “Properties”. Click on the “Change Icon” button and select a new icon from the list. Click “OK” to save your changes.
Step 12: Organize Your Shortcuts
Organizing your shortcuts is key to keeping your desktop clutter-free and easy to navigate. You can group shortcuts into folders or arrange them in a specific order. Simply drag and drop your shortcuts to the desired location.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows 11 has a variety of keyboard shortcuts that can come in handy when creating shortcuts. For example, to create a new folder, press Ctrl + Shift + N.
Tip 2: Use Multiple Desktops
Windows 11 allows you to create multiple desktops for different tasks. This can help keep your desktop organized and clutter-free.
Tip 3: Use the Start Menu Search Feature
The Start menu search feature is a quick and easy way to find files and apps, and create shortcuts.
Tip 4: Customize Your Taskbar
Customizing your taskbar can help you access frequently used apps and files quickly. You can pin apps to the taskbar or create shortcuts for them.
Tip 5: Use the Task Manager
The Task Manager can help troubleshoot issues with your apps and files, and can also be used to start new apps.
Tip 6: Use Cortana
Cortana is a voice-activated personal assistant that can be used to search for files and apps, and create shortcuts.
Tip 7: Use File Explorer Preview Pane
The File Explorer preview pane allows you to preview files before opening them, which can help you quickly find the file you need.
Tip 8: Use Clipboard History
Windows 11 Clipboard History allows you to save multiple items to your clipboard, which you can then paste as needed.
Tip 9: Use Snipping Tool
Snipping Tool allows you to capture screenshots or parts of your screen, which can be useful when creating tutorials or instructions.
Tip 10: Keep Your Desktop Organized
Keeping your desktop organized can help you find files and apps quickly, and can also improve your overall productivity.
In conclusion, creating shortcuts on desktop in Windows 11 is an easy and convenient way to access your frequently used files and apps. With the variety of methods available, you can choose the one that works best for you. By using the tips and tricks mentioned in this article, you can make the most of your Windows 11 experience and improve your productivity.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Creating Shortcuts on Desktop in Windows 11
Advantages
1. Quick and easy access: Creating desktop shortcuts for frequently used files, folders, and applications will save you time and make it easier to access them with just one click.
2. Customization: Windows 11 allows you to customize your desktop shortcuts according to your preferences. You can change the icon, name, and location of the shortcut as per your requirement.
3. Efficiency: Instead of searching for the application or file every time you need it, creating a desktop shortcut will help you locate it more efficiently.
4. Multitasking: With desktop shortcuts, you can easily multitask and switch between applications and files without having to go through the hassle of navigating through different folders and files.
5. Organized desktop: By creating shortcuts on the desktop, you can declutter your Taskbar and Start menu, resulting in a more organized desktop.
6. Visual reminders: Creating desktop shortcuts can serve as visual reminders of important tasks and deadlines, helping you stay on top of your work.
7. Consistency: Once you create a shortcut, it will remain in the same location on your desktop until you delete it, providing consistency and ensuring accessibility.
8. User-friendly interface: The Windows 11 desktop interface is user-friendly, making it easy for even beginners to create shortcuts without any difficulty.
9. Improved productivity: With desktop shortcuts, you can improve your productivity by reducing the time and effort required to access frequently used files and applications.
10. Security: By creating shortcuts to sensitive files, folders, and applications, you can ensure that they are easily accessible only to authorized users.
Disadvantages
1. Cluttered desktop: Creating too many shortcuts on your desktop can clutter it, making it difficult to locate specific files and applications.
2. Limited space: Depending on your screen resolution and size, creating too many desktop shortcuts may reduce space and make it difficult to navigate through your desktop.
3. Visual distraction: Having too many desktop shortcuts with varying icons and names can also cause visual distraction and reduce focus.
4. Shortcut redundancy: Sometimes, you may create shortcuts for files that you may not require frequently, resulting in shortcut redundancy.
5. File organization: Relying too much on desktop shortcuts may make it difficult to organize files and folders, leading to disarray and confusion.
6. Accidental deletion: Accidentally deleting a desktop shortcut may lead to chaos and difficulty locating the file or application.
7. Limited accessibility: Desktop shortcuts are only accessible on the desktop and not through other devices such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones.
8. Security concern: If your desktop is shared with others, they may gain access to your confidential files and applications by using the shortcuts.
9. Difficulty in finding files: Creating too many desktop shortcuts can make it difficult to locate specific files, leading to decreased efficiency.
10. Unnecessary icons: Creating desktop shortcuts for applications that are rarely used can clutter your desktop with unnecessary icons.
FAQ
1. What is a shortcut on desktop?
A shortcut on desktop is a quick way to access a program or file on your computer. It is a kind of link that takes you directly to the program or file, without having to navigate through folders and subfolders.
2. How do I create a shortcut on my desktop in Windows 11?
To create a shortcut on your desktop in Windows 11, right-click on the program or file you want to create a shortcut for. Select “Create shortcut” from the drop-down menu. The shortcut will appear on your desktop.
3. Can I move the shortcut to another folder?
Yes, you can move the shortcut to any folder you want. Simply right-click on the shortcut and select “Cut.” Navigate to the folder you want to move it to, right-click in the folder and select “Paste.”
4. Can I rename a shortcut on my desktop?
Yes, you can rename a shortcut on your desktop. Right-click on the shortcut and select “Rename.” Type in the new name and press Enter. The new name will appear on the desktop.
5. Can I delete a shortcut if I no longer need it?
Yes, you can delete a shortcut if you no longer need it. Right-click on the shortcut and select “Delete.” A pop-up window will appear asking if you are sure you want to delete the shortcut. Click “Yes” to confirm.
6. What is the difference between a shortcut and a file?
A file contains data and can be opened, edited, or deleted. A shortcut is a link to a file, program, or folder. It does not contain any data and cannot be edited.
7. How many shortcuts can I have on my desktop?
You can have as many shortcuts on your desktop as you want. However, having too many shortcuts can make your desktop look cluttered and make it difficult to find what you need.
8. What kinds of items can I create shortcuts for?
You can create shortcuts for programs, files, and folders on your computer. You can also create shortcuts for websites by dragging the URL from your browser onto the desktop.
9. Can I create a shortcut for a specific document in a folder?
Yes, you can create a shortcut for a specific document in a folder. Navigate to the document in the folder, right-click on it, and select “Create shortcut.” The shortcut will appear on your desktop.
10. Can I create a shortcut for a program on my taskbar?
Yes, you can create a shortcut for a program on your taskbar. Right-click on the program in the Start menu and select “Pin to taskbar.”
11. Can I create a shortcut for a program that is not installed on my computer?
No, you cannot create a shortcut for a program that is not installed on your computer.
12. Can I change the icon for a shortcut?
Yes, you can change the icon for a shortcut. Right-click on the shortcut and select “Properties.” Click on the “Change icon” button and select a new icon from the list. Click “OK” to save the changes.
13. How do I differentiate between shortcuts with similar names?
You can differentiate between shortcuts with similar names by changing the icon or adding a description to the shortcut. Right-click on the shortcut and select “Properties.” Type in a new name or description in the appropriate field.
How to Create Shortcut on Desktop Windows 11
Windows 11 is the latest version of the Windows operating system and has many features to simplify user experience. One of the features is creating a shortcut on the desktop. Shortcuts on the desktop help users to open their favorite applications quickly. In this article, we will discuss how to create a shortcut on the desktop in Windows 11.
Conclusion
Creating a shortcut on the Windows 11 desktop is a simple task that saves time for users who use the same applications repeatedly. You do not need to navigate through multiple folders to access frequently used applications or files. With a shortcut, you can access them quickly and easily. This feature is very useful in terms of increasing productivity and efficiency while using a Windows 11 PC.
Closing
Thank you for reading this article. We hope that you have understood how to create a shortcut on the desktop in Windows 11. With a simple process, you can create as many shortcuts as you want on your desktop and increase your productivity. If you have any questions or queries regarding this process, please feel free to leave a comment in the section below. Goodbye for now, and keep using Windows 11!