Creating a shortcut for an app on Windows 11 isn’t exactly brain surgery, but it’s a bit weird how some apps just won’t play ball. You’d expect it to be as easy as right-clicking and boom, but no. Sometimes you’ve gotta dig around a bit or try different methods, especially with those Microsoft Store apps that are locked down tighter than a beach cabana on a sunny day.
How to Make a Shortcut for an App on Windows 11
Here’s the lowdown: you want quick access without rummaging through menus forever. Doing it the right way helps when an app’s tucked away or if you just want that handy icon on your desktop. After this, double-clicking the shortcut will fire up the app faster than searching through the Start menu.
Step 1: Find the App
Start by opening the Start menu. Find the app you’re after—either scroll through the list or type its name in the search bar. Sometimes, it’s a bit sluggish if it’s not pinned or if it’s a Microsoft Store app hiding behind some restrictions. On some setups, the app might not be where you expect, so be ready to do a bit of hunting.
Step 2: Right-Click the App
Once you spot it, right-click on the icon. A menu will pop up with different options. This is where the magic begins—if the options you want aren’t there, the app could be one of those weird Microsoft Store ones that don’t give you direct access to the file location. Yeah, Windows likes to make things a bit more complicated than they need to be.
Step 3: Select ‘Open File Location’
Click on ‘Open File Location’. On some machines, this works straight up, but on others, it’s greyed out or not there at all. If it’s missing, don’t stress — just try the next method below. Sometimes, for modern apps, ‘Open File Location’ takes you to a shortcut rather than the actual executable, which can be a bit frustrating.
Pro tip: If you don’t see ‘Open File Location’, you might be able to find the app’s executable (.exe) by right-clicking the Start menu shortcut, selecting ‘More’ > ‘Open File Location’. Or, do a manual search in C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86). That’s a bit more advanced, but it gets the job done.
Step 4: Create the Shortcut
In the folder that opens, right-click the app’s .exe file and choose ‘Create Shortcut’. It’s a bit odd, but that’ll make a shortcut right there. Sometimes, if you right-click directly on the .exe from the Start menu, Windows offers to put a shortcut on your desktop automatically. Otherwise, you can just drag the new shortcut to your desktop. Easy as.
Note: For some UWP or Microsoft Store apps, the .exe isn’t directly accessible, so you might need to create a shortcut differently — like via shell:AppsFolder in PowerShell or Command Prompt.
Step 5: Move the Shortcut to Your Desktop
Drag the shortcut onto your desktop or wherever you want it. Double-click to test—if it opens the app, you’re laughing. If not, check the target path in the shortcut’s properties; sometimes it’s pointing the wrong way or needs a tweak.
On some setups, the shortcut might only work after you’ve run the app once from its original spot or after a reboot. Windows can be a bit quirky like that.
Tips for Making a Shortcut for an App on Windows 11
- Name your shortcuts clearly so they’re easy to pick out.
- Pin the shortcuts to the taskbar by right-clicking and choosing ‘Pin to taskbar’ — makes launching quick as a flash.
- You can change the icon by right-clicking, selecting Properties, then Change Icon. Sometimes plain icons just don’t cut it.
- If you’ve got heaps of shortcuts, group ’em in folders or tidy up your desktop to keep things neat.
- You can also right-click an app and choose ‘Send To’ > Desktop (create shortcut)’ if it’s being stubborn or if you already have a shortcut elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the shortcut’s icon?
Right-click the shortcut, select Properties, then click on Change Icon. Pick something easy to recognise, hit OK, and you’re set. It’s not always dead easy, but it’s doable.
Can I create a shortcut for a file or folder?
Absolutely. Same deal—find it, right-click, hit Create shortcut. Works for both files and folders — handy for quick access to things you don’t use all that often.
What if ‘Open File Location’ is greyed out?
Sometimes Windows just won’t let you click that option, especially for certain Microsoft Store apps or modern UWP stuff. When that happens, you might need to do a manual search for the app’s executable or use PowerShell to make a shortcut from shell:AppsFolder. It’s a bit more involved, so don’t forget your coffee.
Can I delete the original app after making a shortcut?
Probably not a good idea unless you’re confident. The shortcut relies on the app being installed. Remove the app, and that shortcut’s dead in the water. Better to keep the original unless you want to farewell the app.
How do I delete a shortcut?
Just right-click it and choose Delete. Easy as, just make sure you’re deleting the shortcut, not the real app.
Summary
- Find the App
- Right-Click the App
- Select ‘Open File Location’
- Create the Shortcut (if needed)
- Move it where you want
Conclusion
Making shortcuts on Windows 11 isn’t too tricky, but it can be a bit annoying sometimes. If all goes well, it’s a massive time-saver—kind of like skipping the queues down at the servo. Be prepared to do a bit of fiddling, especially with those tricky Microsoft Store apps that like to hide behind walls.
Hopefully, this helps save someone a fair bit of hassle. Cheers and happy shortcutting!