Want to access your favorite apps faster on Windows 11? Adding them to your home screen (desktop) is a simple way to do that. Whether it’s your browser, a game, or a productivity tool, creating a shortcut on your desktop lets you launch it instantly.
This guide will walk you through how to add an app to the home screen in Windows 11 step by step.
Why Add Apps to Your Home Screen?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s see why this is useful:
-
Quick access: Launch apps without searching for them.
-
Personalized desktop: Keep your most-used apps handy.
-
Better productivity: Saves time, especially for frequently used software.
Method 1: Add Apps via Start Menu
This is the easiest way for most users.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
-
Click the Start button or press Win key.
Step 2: Find the App
-
Search or scroll through your apps list.
Step 3: Drag the App to the Desktop
-
Click and hold the app, then drag it to your desktop.
Step 4: Release to Create Shortcut
-
Once you release it, a shortcut will appear on your home screen.
Method 2: Create a Desktop Shortcut via Search
Step 1: Open Search
-
Press Win + S.
Step 2: Search for the App
-
Type the app’s name (e.g., Word, Chrome, Spotify).
Step 3: Open File Location
-
Right-click the app and select Open file location.
Step 4: Create Shortcut
-
Right-click the app’s icon, select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
Method 3: Add Microsoft Store Apps to Home Screen
Step 1: Open Start Menu
-
Find your Microsoft Store app.
Step 2: Right-Click the App
-
Select More > Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start first.
Step 3: Drag It to Desktop
-
From the Start menu, drag the pinned app to your desktop.
Method 4: Manually Create a Shortcut
If the app is installed in a specific folder, you can manually create a shortcut.
Step 1: Locate the App Folder
-
Open File Explorer and go to the installation folder (e.g.,
C:\Program Files).
Step 2: Right-Click the Executable (.exe) File
-
Select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
How to Remove an App from the Home Screen
-
Right-click the app icon.
-
Select Delete.
-
This removes only the shortcut, not the app itself.
Troubleshooting: App Won’t Add to Desktop?
-
Check if the app is installed correctly.
-
Make sure your desktop is not hidden (right-click desktop > View > Show desktop icons).
-
Some system apps can’t be directly added—create a manual shortcut instead.
Tips for Organizing Your Home Screen
-
Group related apps together.
-
Use folders for multiple shortcuts.
-
Keep only essential apps to avoid clutter.
Final Thoughts
Adding an app to your home screen on Windows 11 is a quick and effective way to improve your workflow. Whether you use the Start menu, Search, or manual shortcut creation, it only takes a few clicks to set up.
FAQs
1. Does adding an app to the home screen duplicate it?
No, it only creates a shortcut, not a duplicate.
2. Can I add web apps to the desktop?
Yes, most browsers let you create shortcuts for websites.
3. Will deleting the shortcut uninstall the app?
No, it only removes the shortcut.
4. Can I resize the shortcut icons?
Yes, right-click your desktop > View > choose icon size.
5. Can I pin apps both to the taskbar and desktop?
Yes, you can use both methods for quick access.