How to Create Desktop Shortcuts for Microsoft Store Apps
Desktop shortcuts for Microsoft Store apps put programs downloaded from the built-in Windows app store right on your main screen so you can open them with a double-click. Installed Windows apps normally hide inside your Start Menu , making them slower to reach.
Creating these handy icons takes less than a minute. You just need to open your Start Menu , drag the app icon onto your desktop, and a direct link appears right away.
Drag the app’s icon from the Start menu ’s All apps list directly onto your desktop. You can also open the apps folder by typing shell:appsfolder in File Explorer , then drag the app icon to your desktop.
Why Create Desktop Shortcuts for Microsoft Store Apps?
Desktop shortcuts for Microsoft Store apps let favorite programs open much faster. Skipping the Start menu saves time during a busy workday.
Daily computing tasks become smoother with icons placed directly on the screen. Accessing favorite programs, like the Calculator or Calendar, requires only a single click.
Create Desktop Shortcuts from the Start Menu
Desktop shortcuts for Microsoft Store apps emerge straight from the Start menu . Opening the Start menu, finding the target app under ‘All apps’, and dragging its icon onto the desktop establishes the link. Immediate access to most-used programs follows without extra steps.
- Open the Start menu and click on All apps.
- Select the app’s icon and drag it from All apps to your Desktop until you see the Link option. Then drop the app on the Desktop.
Create Desktop Shortcuts from the Apps Folder
Another method relies on the ‘Apps folder’ to build desktop shortcuts for Microsoft Store apps. Open File Explorer , type shell:appsfolder into the address bar, and press Enter. Releasing the app icon onto the Desktop completes the handy shortcut.
- Open File Explorer (Win+E).
- Type the following command into the address bar of File Explorer, and press Enter to open the Applications folder.
shell:appsfolder- Drag the app's icon from the apps folder to the Desktop until you see the Create link option on the Desktop. Then drop the app on the Desktop.
That completes the process.
Summary
Shortcuts save time and make computer use efficient. Quick access to frequently used programs eliminates menu hunting. Workflows become smoother and computing experiences grow more convenient.
Efficient workflow: Desktop shortcuts streamline workflows and grant access to specific apps without navigating the Microsoft Store or the Start menu.
Desktop icons offer convenience by launching desired apps with a single click. Productivity increases as task completion speeds up.
How do I add apps to my home screen from the Microsoft Store?
Create a desktop shortcut for a chosen app or game from the Microsoft Store. Navigate to the app in the store, right-click its icon and select “Create shortcut.” A shortcut populates the desktop. Pinning Microsoft Store apps directly to the desktop taskbar functions as another viable alternative.
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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.
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