How to Create Desktop Shortcuts in Windows 11
Desktop shortcuts in Windows 11 give you instant access to your favorite apps, files, and websites with a single double-click. These small icons act as direct pointers to items buried deep inside folders like `📁C:\
Making a new shortcut takes just a few seconds and stops you from having to dig through your hard drive every time you need to find something.
Right-click your desktop, select New, then Shortcut, and follow the prompts to enter the item’s path. Alternatively, drag and drop files, folders, or apps from File Explorer or the Start menu onto the desktop. You can also drag website addresses from your browser’s address bar.
Create shortcuts using the New Item wizard
Desktop shortcuts in Windows 11 are built using the New Item wizard. This serves as the standard method for making quick links to the apps, files, or folders used most often. Right-click the desktop, choose ‘New,’ then ‘Shortcut,’ and follow the steps to add it.
- Right-click on any empty space on your desktop.
- Select New, then select Shortcut. (If you don’t see this, click Show more options first).
Right-click any empty space on your desktop. Choose ‘New,’ then ‘Shortcut.’ If the option is missing in Windows 11, click Show more options first. Next, enter the path of the item targeted for linking. Unsure of the location? Click the Browse button to find it.
For example, linking to the Documents folder requires locating it and clicking OK.
Then, click Next.
Naming the shortcut finishes the creation process by clicking Finish.
Create shortcuts using the Send to command
Having the file or folder already open makes this alternative method much faster.
- Open File Explorer and find the file or folder you want to link.
- Right-click the item.
- Select Show more options if needed, then choose Send to, and select Desktop (create shortcut).
Create shortcuts from the Start menu
Converting installed apps into desktop icons takes only a few clicks.
- Click the Start menu and select All apps.
- Simply click and drag any app icon directly onto your desktop.
Create shortcuts for websites
Favourite websites open instantly by turning web addresses into desktop icons.
- Open your web browser and go to the website.
- Highlight the website address in the top bar.
- Click and drag the address directly onto your desktop.
How to change the icon of a shortcut
Desktop customization allows changing the appearance of any shortcut icon.
- Right-click the shortcut and select Properties.
- Go to the Shortcut tab and click the Change Icon button.
- Select a new icon from the list or browse for your own file.
- Click OK to save your changes.
Troubleshooting desktop shortcuts
Broken desktop shortcuts usually mean the original file was moved or deleted. Updating the file path fixes these broken shortcuts in Windows 11.
Summary
Time management improves when desktop shortcuts are set up in Windows 11. Multiple methods exist, including the New Item wizard and drag-and-drop actions.
Can I move desktop shortcuts to a different folder?
Desktop shortcuts move freely to any folder on the computer. Dragging and dropping the shortcut icon into a desired folder relocates it. Original files remain untouched because shortcuts function strictly as pointing links.
How do I remove a shortcut without deleting the original file?
Shortcuts delete safely by right-clicking them and selecting Delete or pressing the Delete key on the keyboard. Removing a shortcut never affects the original file, folder, or application since it functions as a reference link.
Can I add shortcuts to the taskbar instead of the desktop?
Taskbar pinning provides faster access for applications. Right-clicking an app inside the Start menu or desktop and selecting Pin to taskbar keeps the icon visible constantly, even with active windows open, unlike desktop shortcuts.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
[…] You can run these commands in the Run box (press Windows Key + R on your keyboard), the File Explorer address bar, Command Prompt, Windows PowerShell, or create a shortcut. […]