How to Create Desktop Shortcuts for Microsoft Store Apps
Desktop shortcuts for Microsoft Store apps let you open downloaded programs with a double-click straight from your main screen instead of digging through the Start Menu . Windows hides these apps inside the system folders by default, which makes them take a few extra clicks to launch.
You can create a desktop shortcut for any app in less than 60 seconds by dragging the icon from your Start Menu right onto your desktop.
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 let you open favorite programs much faster without digging through the Start menu .
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
You can easily create desktop shortcuts Microsoft Store apps by dragging them straight from your Start menu . Open the Start menu, click All apps to find the program you want, and drag its icon onto your desktop. This gives you quick access to your most-used programs 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
You can create desktop shortcuts Microsoft Store apps by using the hidden Applications folder on your computer. Open File Explorer (Win+E), type shell:appsfolder into the address bar, and press Enter to see all installed programs. Find your app in this list and drag its icon right onto your desktop to finish the 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
Desktop shortcuts Microsoft Store apps help you save time by letting you open your favorite programs instantly. You no longer need to hunt through menus or open the Microsoft Store every time you want to launch an app, which makes your daily computer work much faster and easier.
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.
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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.
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