With the release of Windows 11, many users are excited to explore its new features. One of the most interesting functionalities of Windows 11 is the ability to create shortcuts for your favorite apps. This feature saves you the time and effort of having to open the apps from the Start Menu or by searching for them. In this blog, I will be showing you different ways to create shortcuts for app windows 11.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Creating Shortcut for App Windows 11
In previous versions of Windows, creating a shortcut was a straightforward process. However, with the introduction of Windows 11, the steps to create a shortcut for your favourite apps have changed. The challenge comes in when you want to create a shortcut for an app that is not pinned to the taskbar or start menu. In this case, you will need to navigate through different settings and menus to create a shortcut.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the different methods of creating shortcuts for app windows 11, there are a few things you need to prepare for. First, ensure that you have access to your favorite apps and that they are installed on your PC. Secondly, ensure that you have enough disk space to save the shortcuts you will be creating. Lastly, make sure that your device is updated to the latest version of Windows 11.
Method 1: Via ‘Create Shortcut’ option
This method involves using the ‘Create Shortcut’ option to create a shortcut for your favorite app. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop, then click ‘New’.
2. Click ‘Shortcut’ from the list of options.
3. In the ‘Type the location of this item’ box, enter the location of the app you want to create a shortcut for. For example, if you want to create a shortcut for Microsoft Word, enter ‘C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\WINWORD.EXE’.
4. Click ‘Next’.
5. Enter a name for the shortcut, e.g., Microsoft Word, then click ‘Finish’.
Pros:
– It is a straightforward process.
– No additional software is required.
Cons:
– You have to remember the location of the app you want to create a shortcut for.
Method 2: Via Start Menu
The start menu is one of the most commonly used features in Windows 11. This method involves using the start menu to create a shortcut for your favorite app. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Click on the start menu button (Windows key).
2. Locate the app you want to create a shortcut for and click on it.
3. Right-click on the app’s icon, then click ‘More’.
4. Click ‘Open file location’.
5. Right-click on the app’s icon in the file explorer window.
6. Click ‘Create shortcut’.
7. A pop-up window will appear asking if you want the shortcut to be placed on the desktop. Click ‘Yes’.
Pros:
– You don’t have to remember the location of the app you want to create a shortcut for.
– It is a straightforward process.
Cons:
– Requires several steps.
Method 3: Via Pin to Start
This method involves using the ‘Pin to Start’ option to create a shortcut for an app in the Start Menu. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Click on the start menu button (Windows key).
2. Locate the app you want to create a shortcut for and right-click on it.
3. Click ‘Pin to Start’.
4. The app will now appear on the Start Menu as a tile.
Pros:
– It is a straightforward process.
– No additional software is required.
Cons:
– The app will only appear on the Start Menu.
Why Can’t I Create Shortcut for App Windows 11
1. Missing app: If the app you want to create a shortcut for is not installed on your PC, you won’t be able to create a shortcut for it. To fix this, you will need to install the app.
2. Corrupt app: If the app you want to create a shortcut for is corrupt, you won’t be able to create a shortcut for it. To fix this, you will need to repair or reinstall the app.
3. Wrong location: If you specify the wrong location when creating a shortcut, the shortcut won’t work. To fix this, you will need to create a new shortcut using the correct location.
Additional Tips
– You can change the icon of your shortcut by right-clicking on it, select ‘Properties’, then clicking ‘Change Icon’.
– You can add a shortcut to the taskbar by right-clicking on it, then selecting ‘Pin to taskbar’.
5 FAQs about Creating Shortcut for App Windows 11
Q1: Can I create shortcuts for all my apps?
A: Yes, you can create shortcuts for all your apps. However, the process may vary depending on the app.
Q2: Can I change the name of the shortcut?
A: Yes, you can change the name of the shortcut. To do this, right-click on the shortcut, select ‘Rename’, and enter the new name.
Q3: Can I delete a shortcut?
A: Yes, you can delete a shortcut by right-clicking on it and selecting ‘Delete’.
Q4: Can I move a shortcut?
A: Yes, you can move a shortcut to a different location by dragging and dropping it.
Q5: Can I create a shortcut for a website?
A: Yes, you can create a shortcut for a website by opening the website in your browser and dragging the icon next to the URL to your desktop.
In Conclusion
Creating shortcuts for app windows 11 may seem like a daunting task, but it is not. With the different methods outlined in this blog, you can easily create shortcuts for your favorite apps. Remember to choose a method that works best for you. If you encounter any challenges, refer to the ‘Why Can’t I’ section for possible solutions. Try creating shortcuts for your apps today and enjoy the convenience it brings.