Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, and with its new and improved design, many users are excited to customize their home screens. One popular customization option is to put apps on the home screen for easy access. In this blog post, we will explore several methods to achieve this, ranging from simple drag and drop to using third-party tools. So if you’re eager to personalize your Windows 11 home screen, read on!
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the different methods, there are a few things you will need. Firstly, you will obviously need a Windows 11 computer or laptop. Additionally, make sure you have the apps you want to add to the home screen already installed on your system. Lastly, a basic understanding of how to navigate the Windows 11 interface will be helpful.
What Requires Your Focus?
Putting apps on the home screen in Windows 11 is a relatively simple task, but there are a few key aspects to consider. Firstly, you need to decide which method you prefer. There are both built-in methods within Windows 11, as well as additional third-party tools that can enhance the customization options. Secondly, you should think about the organization of your home screen. Would you like to group apps into specific categories or create custom layouts? Lastly, you may want to consider the appearance of the app icons on your home screen. Windows 11 offers various icon styles that can match your personal preferences or overall theme.
Method 1: How to Put Apps on Home Screen via Drag and Drop
The easiest and most straightforward way to put apps on the home screen in Windows 11 is by using the drag and drop method. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Start by opening the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Step 2: Locate the app you want to add to the home screen. You can either scroll through the list of apps or use the search bar at the top to find it quickly.
Step 3: Once you find the app, click and hold on its icon.
Step 4: Drag the app icon from the Start menu to the desired location on the home screen.
Pros Cons
1. Simple and intuitive process. 1. Limited customization options for app icons.
2. No additional tools or software 2. Can be time-consuming if you have a large number of apps.
required.
3. Allows for easy rearrangement. 3. Limited organization options for grouping apps.
Method 2: How to Put Apps on Home Screen Using the “Pin to Start” Option
Another built-in method in Windows 11 is the “Pin to Start” option. This method allows you to add apps to the home screen directly from the app list. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Start menu and locate the app you want to add to the home screen.
Step 2: Right-click on the app icon and select the “Pin to Start” option from the context menu.
Step 3: The app will now appear on the home screen. You can move it to the desired location by dragging and dropping it, just like in the previous method.
Pros Cons
1. Quick and easy way to add apps. 1. Limited options for organizing apps into groups.
2. No need to open the app list. 2. App icons can look cluttered if not arranged carefully.
3. Allows for easy removal of apps. 3. Limited customization options for app icons.
Method 3: How to Put Apps on Home Screen Using Third-Party Tools
If you’re looking for more advanced customization options, you can consider using third-party tools specifically designed for Windows 11 home screen customization. These tools offer additional features like icon packs, advanced organization options, and more. Here’s a popular example:
Step 1: Download and install the “Rainmeter” software from the official website. Rainmeter is a highly customizable desktop customization tool.
Step 2: After installing Rainmeter, download and install a Windows 11-inspired skin or theme from a reputable Rainmeter community website.
Step 3: Once you have the desired skin or theme installed, you can add specific apps to the home screen by following the instructions provided by the skin or theme creator.
Pros Cons
1. Provides extensive customization 1. Requires installation of additional software.
options for home screen. 2. Can be overwhelming for beginners.
2. Offers a wide range of icon packs 3. Some third-party tools may not be actively
and themes. maintained or supported.
Method 4: How to Put Apps on Home Screen via Desktop Shortcuts
Alternatively, you can create desktop shortcuts for your favorite apps and place them on the home screen. While this method doesn’t directly place the apps on the home screen, it offers a similar outcome. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Find the app you want to add a shortcut for. You can search for it in the Start menu or locate it in the app list.
Step 2: Right-click on the app icon and select the “Create shortcut” option from the context menu.
Step 3: A shortcut for the app will be created on the desktop. You can then drag and drop the shortcut to the desired location on the home screen.
Pros Cons
1. Easy and straightforward process 1. Requires additional steps compared to other methods.
to create shortcuts. 2. Home screen can look cluttered if you have
2. Allows for quick access to apps a large number of shortcuts.
directly from the home screen. 3. Limited customization options for shortcut icons.
Why Can’t I Put Apps on Home Screen?
Many Windows 11 users may encounter difficulties when trying to put apps on the home screen. Here are some common reasons why you might face this issue and how you can fix them:
1. Limited Home Screen Customization:
Windows 11 provides limited native options for home screen customization. To overcome this, you can explore third-party tools like Rainmeter, as mentioned in Method 3, for more advanced customization options.
2. App Incompatibility:
Some apps may not be compatible with home screen placement due to their design or nature. In such cases, you can still create desktop shortcuts for easy access, as explained in Method 4.
3. Permissions and Restrictions:
If you’re unable to add apps to the home screen, there may be permission or restriction settings in place. Make sure you have the necessary administrative rights or check if any parental controls are limiting this functionality.
Implications and Recommendations
While putting apps on the home screen in Windows 11 may seem like a simple customization option, it can have implications for your productivity and overall user experience. Here are a few recommendations to make the most out of this feature:
1. Organize Apps into Categories:
Create groups or categories on your home screen to categorize apps based on their functionality or usage. This can help you find and access apps more efficiently.
2. Personalize App Icons:
Consider personalizing the app icons to match your preferred aesthetic or theme. You can explore various icon packs available online or create your own custom icons using image editing software.
3. Create Custom Layouts:
Take advantage of the flexibility offered by the home screen to create unique and visually appealing layouts. Experiment with different arrangements and sizes to create an interface that suits your workflow.
5 FAQs about Putting Apps on Home Screen
Q1: Can I remove apps from the home screen?
A: Yes, you can easily remove apps from the home screen by right-clicking on the app icon and selecting the “Unpin from Start” option.
Q2: Can I change the size of app icons on the home screen?
A: Windows 11 allows you to resize app icons on the home screen. Right-click on the app icon and select the “Resize” option to choose from the available size options.
Q3: Are there any limitations to the number of apps I can add to the home screen?
A: Windows 11 does not impose any specific limitations on the number of apps you can add to the home screen. However, keep in mind that a cluttered home screen may affect your productivity and ease of use.
Q4: Can I create folders for app organization on the home screen?
A: Windows 11 does not natively support creating folders on the home screen. However, you can group apps together using the drag and drop method or explore third-party tools for more advanced organization options.
Q5: Will adding apps to the home screen affect their functionality?
A: No, adding apps to the home screen will not affect their functionality. It simply provides a convenient shortcut for quick access.
Final Words
Customizing your Windows 11 home screen by putting apps on it can enhance your workflow and make your computer usage more efficient. Whether you choose to use the built-in drag and drop method, the “Pin to Start” option, third-party tools, or desktop shortcuts, there is a method that suits your preferences. Remember to organize your apps, personalize their icons, and create custom layouts to make the most out of this customization feature in Windows 11.{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:” Can I remove apps from the home screen?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:” Yes, you can easily remove apps from the home screen by right-clicking on the app icon and selecting the “Unpin from Start” option.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:” Can I change the size of app icons on the home screen?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:” Windows 11 allows you to resize app icons on the home screen. Right-click on the app icon and select the “Resize” option to choose from the available size options.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:” Are there any limitations to the number of apps I can add to the home screen?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:” Windows 11 does not impose any specific limitations on the number of apps you can add to the home screen. However, keep in mind that a cluttered home screen may affect your productivity and ease of use.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:” Can I create folders for app organization on the home screen?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:” Windows 11 does not natively support creating folders on the home screen. However, you can group apps together using the drag and drop method or explore third-party tools for more advanced organization options.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:” Will adding apps to the home screen affect their functionality?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:” No, adding apps to the home screen will not affect their functionality. It simply provides a convenient shortcut for quick access.”}}]}
