Creating Chrome Shortcuts on Your Windows 11 Desktop
Looking for a quicker way to access your favourite websites? Setting up Chrome shortcuts on your desktop can save you a fair bit of time. Instead of typing in URLs or rummaging through bookmarks, these handy icons take you straight to your site with just a double-click. Honestly, if you’re like most people, cutting out unnecessary clicks is a win.
This whole shortcut thing is pretty straightforward. Just a few clicks, and voilà – the website is now on your desktop. It’s nothing fancy, but it can definitely make browsing a bit less of a chore.
Start by Opening Chrome
First things first: open Chrome. You’ll find it in your taskbar or you can search for it in the Start menu or Apps. Make sure Chrome is up and running before you start creating shortcuts. If Chrome isn’t open, you’ll be stuck trying to set one up.
Navigate to the Website You Want
Type the website’s URL into Chrome’s address bar and press Enter. Check that the page loads properly because you don’t want your desktop shortcut to point to a broken link. The goal is quick and hassle-free access.
Open Chrome’s Menu
Click on the three dots in the top right corner of Chrome. This pulls up a menu with various options. That’s where the magic happens. You’ll need to select the right options to create your shortcut.
Create the Shortcut via “More Tools”
Hover over or click on “More tools” in the menu, then select “Create shortcut.” It’s pretty much your ticket to having an icon on your desktop. Chrome makes it simple — just follow the on-screen prompts.
For the Tech-Savvy: Command Line Method
If you prefer rolling up your sleeves and using the command line, you can create a shortcut with PowerShell or Command Prompt. Here’s a quick example of how to do it with PowerShell:
powershell
$WScriptShell = New-Object -ComObject WScript.Shell
$Shortcut = $WScriptShell.CreateShortcut("$Env:USERPROFILE\Desktop\MyWebsite.lnk")
$Shortcut.TargetPath = "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe"
$Shortcut.Arguments = "--new-window https://www.example.com"
$Shortcut.Save()
Just ensure that the TargetPath points to where Chrome is installed on your PC — it might be different depending on your setup. It’s a bit more effort, but handy if you prefer scripting.
Name Your Shortcut
When you create the shortcut, Chrome will ask you to give it a name. Pick something clear so you know what site it links to — nobody wants a jumble of “Shortcut 1” icons. If you want the website to open in its own window, tick that option before clicking “Create.” Once done, the shortcut will appear on your desktop, ready to use.
Double-click it, and Chrome will launch, taking you straight to that webpage. Much easier than trying to remember URLs or hunting through bookmarks.
Tips for Staying Organised
If you’re creating multiple shortcuts, consider organising them into folders. Right-click on the desktop, select New > Folder, and sort your shortcuts into it. This keeps everything tidy. Double-check the URLs before creating shortcuts to avoid broken links. Want to personalise your icons? Just right-click on a shortcut, go to Properties, then click Change Icon. Easy as.
And don’t forget — it’s a good idea to bookmark your favourite sites in Chrome too. It’s like having a backup, accessible from the Bookmarks bar or via Recent Tabs.
FAQs About Chrome Shortcuts
What happens if I delete a shortcut?
Deleting the shortcut simply removes the icon. The website itself remains intact and accessible through Chrome. So, no worries — your favourites are still there.
Can I make shortcuts for Chrome apps?
Absolutely! If you use Chrome apps or web apps, you can create shortcuts for those as well — making your workflow even smoother.
Will the shortcut still work if Chrome isn’t your default browser?
Yes, it will. The shortcut will open in Chrome regardless of your default browser settings.
Can I rename my shortcut after creating it?
Definitely. Just right-click on the shortcut, select Rename, and type your preferred name.
What if the “Create shortcut” option isn’t showing?
If “Create shortcut” is missing, check if Chrome is up to date — go to Help > About Google Chrome. Sometimes a quick restart of Chrome or your PC can fix it. If it still doesn’t appear, try reinstalling Chrome to ensure all features are available.
Quick Checklist
- Open Google Chrome.
- Visit the website you want.
- Click on the three dots menu.
- Select “More tools” and then “Create shortcut.”
- Name the shortcut and hit “Create.”
Creating desktop shortcuts might just make your online life a whole lot easier. It’s simple, saves time, and keeps things neat. Hopefully, this helps someone cut down on the fuss and get straight to their favourite sites more efficiently.