How to Create Desktop Shortcuts in Windows 11

This guide explains how to create desktop shortcuts for your files, folders, and websites in Windows 11. Shortcuts act as quick links to your most-used items. Instead of digging through folders, you can open your files with a single click from your desktop.

Why create shortcuts?

Shortcuts act as quick links to your most-used items. They save you time by letting you open files or apps without navigating through deep folder structures. They are essentially signposts pointing to the original file location.

What happens when you are done?

You will have an icon on your desktop that instantly opens the original file, folder, or website. Deleting a shortcut will never delete your actual file or folder; it only removes the link. Shortcuts are links that point to the original location of items. For example, a file located at C:\Users\genericuser\Documents can have a shortcut placed on your desktop at C:\Users\genericuser\Desktop.

Create shortcuts using the New Item wizard

This is the traditional way to create a link to any item on your computer.

1. Right-click on any empty space on your desktop.
2. Select New, then select Shortcut. (If you don’t see this, click Show more options first).

Next, type the path of the item you want to link to. If you aren’t sure of the path, click the Browse button to find it.

For example, to link to your Documents folder, find it in the list and click OK.

Click the Next button to continue.

Type a name for your shortcut and click Finish.

Create shortcuts using the Send to command

This method is faster if you already have the file or folder open.

1. Open File Explorer and find the file or folder you want to link.
2. Right-click the item.
3. Select Show more options if needed, then choose Send to, and select Desktop (create shortcut).

Create shortcuts from the Start menu

You can also turn apps into desktop icons.

1. Click the Start menu and select All apps.
2. Simply click and drag any app icon directly onto your desktop.

Create shortcuts for websites

You can create a desktop icon that opens your favorite websites instantly.

1. Open your web browser and go to the website.
2. Highlight the website address in the top bar.
3. Click and drag the address directly onto your desktop.

How to change the icon of a shortcut

You can customize your desktop by changing the look of any shortcut icon.

1. Right-click the shortcut and select Properties.
2. Go to the Shortcut tab and click the Change Icon button.
3. Select a new icon from the list or browse for your own file.
4. Click OK to save your changes.

Troubleshooting desktop shortcuts

If your shortcut does not work, it usually means the original file was moved or deleted. You can try to fix this by right-clicking the shortcut, selecting Properties, and updating the Target field with the new file path. If the icon looks like a blank page, the original app may need to be reinstalled.

Note: If you need to perform system-wide changes, some advanced shortcut settings may require admin privileges.

Summary

Creating desktop shortcuts is a great way to save time. You can use the New Item wizard, the Send to menu, or simply drag and drop from the Start menu or your browser. Remember, shortcuts are just bridges to your files; you can safely delete, rename, or change the icons of these shortcuts without affecting your original files.