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Windows 11 provides users with a new and improved desktop experience, including the ability to move apps directly to the desktop for easy access. This feature can be particularly helpful for users who want to quickly launch their favorite apps without navigating through the Start menu or taskbar. In this blog post, we will explore the various methods to move an app to the desktop in Windows 11, providing step-by-step instructions and insights for each method.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Move App to Desktop in Windows 11
There are several reasons why you may want to move an app to the desktop in Windows 11. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Easy access: By placing an app shortcut on the desktop, you can quickly launch it without searching for it in the Start menu or taskbar.
2. Customization: The desktop provides a user-friendly interface where you can organize your frequently used apps, creating a personalized workspace that suits your needs.
3. Improved productivity: Having app shortcuts directly on the desktop eliminates the need for multiple clicks or scrolling to find and launch an app, saving you time and boosting your productivity.
4. Visual reminders: Placing app shortcuts on the desktop serves as a visual reminder of important tasks or applications, keeping them at the forefront of your attention.
Method 1: Moving App to Desktop via the Right-Click Menu
Before we proceed with the steps, it’s important to note that this method works for most apps and programs installed on your Windows 11 device. Here’s how you can move an app to the desktop using the right-click menu:
1. Locate the app you want to move to the desktop. You can find it either in the Start menu or by searching for it in the taskbar search.
2. Once you’ve located the app, right-click on its icon.
3. In the context menu that appears, hover your cursor over the "More" option.
4. From the expanded options, select "Open file location." This will open the folder where the app’s shortcut is stored.
5. With the file location folder open, right-click on the app’s shortcut file.
6. In the right-click menu, select "Send to" and then click on "Desktop (create shortcut)." This action will create a new shortcut on your desktop.
7. You can now close the file location folder. The app shortcut will be available on your desktop for easy access.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Quick and straightforward method to move an app to the desktop. | 1. Not applicable for all apps, as some may not have the "Open file location" option in the right-click menu. |
| 2. Offers flexibility to organize your desktop with app shortcuts in a way that suits your workflow. | 2. The app shortcut may become invalid if the original app file or location is modified or deleted. |
| 3. Provides a visual reminder of frequently used apps, enhancing productivity. | 3. May clutter the desktop if too many app shortcuts are placed. |
Method 2: Moving App to Desktop via Start Menu
Another approach to move an app to the desktop in Windows 11 is by utilizing the Start menu. This method works well for apps that are prominently displayed in the Start menu. Follow the steps below to move an app to the desktop using the Start menu:
1. Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon located in the taskbar.
2. Locate the app you want to move to the desktop in the Start menu.
3. Right-click on the app icon.
4. In the context menu that appears, select the "More" option.
5. From the expanded options, click on "Open file location." This will open the folder where the app’s shortcut is stored.
6. Right-click on the app’s shortcut file in the file location folder.
7. In the right-click menu, select "Send to" and then choose "Desktop (create shortcut)." This will create a new shortcut on your desktop.
8. Once the shortcut is created, you can close the file location folder. The app shortcut will be available on your desktop for quick access.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Simple and intuitive method using the familiar Start menu interface. | 1. Not applicable for apps that are not displayed in the Start menu. |
| 2. Allows for easy organization of frequently used apps on the desktop. | 2. The app shortcut may become invalid if the original app file or location is modified or deleted. |
| 3. Provides a visual representation of your favorite apps on the desktop, enhancing efficiency. | 3. Cluttered Start menu may make it difficult to locate and right-click on specific apps. |
Method 3: Moving App to Desktop via Drag and Drop
One of the simplest and most straightforward methods to move an app to the desktop is by utilizing the drag and drop functionality. This method works for apps displayed on the taskbar or desktop. Follow the steps below to move an app using drag and drop:
1. Locate the app you want to move to the desktop either on the taskbar or the desktop itself.
2. Click and hold the app’s icon with your mouse cursor.
3. While holding down the mouse button, drag the app’s icon to an empty space on the desktop.
4. Release the mouse button to drop the app’s icon on the desktop. The app shortcut will be created at the dropped location.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Very easy and quick method to move an app to the desktop. | 1. May not be applicable for all apps, especially those that are not displayed on the taskbar or desktop. |
| 2. Offers flexibility to arrange the desktop to your preference by dragging and dropping apps. | 2. The app shortcut may become invalid if the original app file or location is modified or deleted. |
| 3. Requires no additional steps or menus, making it an intuitive way to move apps. | 3. Cluttered desktop may result in difficulty finding specific apps. |
Method 4: Moving App to Desktop via File Explorer
If you prefer to use File Explorer to manage your apps and files, you can also move an app to the desktop through this method. Follow the steps below:
1. Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. Navigate to the folder where the app’s shortcut is located. The common location is typically under the "Program Files" or "Program Files (x86)" folder.
3. Once you’ve located the app’s shortcut file, right-click on it.
4. From the right-click menu, select "Send to" and then click on "Desktop (create shortcut)." This action will create a new shortcut on your desktop.
5. Close File Explorer. The app shortcut will be available on your desktop for easy access.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Suitable for users familiar with File Explorer and prefer managing files and apps through this interface. | 1. Requires prior knowledge of the location of the app’s shortcut file. |
| 2. Allows for precise control over the placement of app shortcuts on the desktop. | 2. The app shortcut may become invalid if the original app file or location is modified or deleted. |
| 3. Can be combined with other File Explorer operations, such as renaming or moving the app shortcut to a specific folder. | 3. May require navigating through multiple folders to locate the app’s shortcut file. |
What to Do If You Can’t Move App to Desktop
In some cases, you may encounter difficulties moving an app to the desktop using the methods mentioned above. Here are a few recommended fixes:
1. Check permissions: Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create shortcuts and modify files on your Windows 11 device. Contact your system administrator if needed.
2. Reinstall the app: If moving the app’s shortcut doesn’t work, consider reinstalling the app. This action may refresh the app’s files and allow for the creation of a new shortcut.
3. Create a new shortcut manually: If the app’s shortcut cannot be created using the methods above, you can manually create a new shortcut by right-clicking on the desktop, selecting "New," and then choosing "Shortcut." Follow the prompts to locate and select the app executable file.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your desktop experience in Windows 11:
1. Organize your app shortcuts into folders: If you have numerous app shortcuts on your desktop, consider creating folders to categorize them. Right-click on the desktop, select "New," and then choose "Folder." Name the folder and drag and drop app shortcuts into it for better organization.
2. Customize app shortcut icons: To further customize your desktop, you can change the icons of app shortcuts. Right-click on the app shortcut, select "Properties," navigate to the "Shortcut" tab, and click on "Change Icon." Choose from the available icons or browse for a custom icon file.
3. Remove app shortcuts from the desktop: If you want to declutter your desktop or no longer need certain app shortcuts, simply right-click on the shortcut and select "Delete." The shortcut will be removed from the desktop.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I move built-in Windows apps to the desktop?
A1:
No, the built-in Windows apps, such as Mail, Calendar, and Microsoft Edge, cannot be moved to the desktop using the methods mentioned above. These apps are integrated into the operating system and do not have traditional shortcut files.
Q2: Will moving an app to the desktop affect its functionality?
A2:
No, moving an app to the desktop by creating a shortcut does not affect its functionality. It simply provides an additional shortcut for easy access.
Q3: Can I rename the app shortcut on the desktop?
A3:
Yes, you can rename the app shortcut on the desktop. Right-click on the shortcut, select "Rename," and enter the desired name.
Q4: What happens if I delete the original app file after creating a desktop shortcut?
A4:
If you delete the original app file after creating a desktop shortcut, the shortcut will become invalid. It will no longer launch the app, as it relies on the original file for functionality.
Q5: Can I move an app shortcut from the desktop back to the Start menu or taskbar?
A5:
Yes, you can move an app shortcut from the desktop back to the Start menu or taskbar. Simply click and hold the shortcut icon on the desktop, drag it to the Start menu or taskbar, and release the mouse button to drop it onto the desired location.
Final Thoughts
Moving an app to the desktop in Windows 11 offers a convenient way to access your favorite apps quickly. Whether you choose to use the right-click menu, Start menu, drag and drop, or File Explorer, each method provides its own advantages and flexibility. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this blog post, you can easily move your apps to the desktop and enjoy an improved desktop experience in Windows 11. Remember to customize your desktop further by organizing app shortcuts into folders, customizing shortcut icons, and removing unnecessary shortcuts to create a clutter-free workspace tailored to your needs.{"@context":"https://schema.org”,"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":null}
