How to Create Desktop Shortcuts in Windows 11
Desktop shortcuts are small icons on your screen that open apps, files, and websites with a single double-click so you can skip digging through folders like `📁C:\
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
You can create desktop shortcuts Windows 11 by using the built-in shortcut wizard to link your most used apps, files, or folders directly to your main screen. Right-click any empty space on your desktop, pick New, and then select Shortcut to open the wizard box. Type the path to the item or click Browse to find it, click Next, type a clear name for your icon, and click Finish.
- 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 and choose New, then Shortcut. If you are using Windows 11 and do not see these options, 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
If you already have File Explorer open, use the Send to menu to create a shortcut even 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.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
[…] 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. […]