3 easiest ways to create desktop shortcuts in Windows 11

In Windows 11, users can easily create desktop shortcuts for files, folders, and apps in multiple ways, and we will show you how.

Desktop shortcuts are a convenient way to access apps, files, and folders. Usually, you would create shortcuts (commonly on the desktop) to things or places to use frequently.

In this guide, we will show you how to create shortcuts on the desktop in Windows 11.

Here are the three ways to create desktop shortcuts in Windows 11, easily

How to create desktop shortcuts using the shortcut wizard

Right-click on the desktop > select New > choose the Shortcut option.
Click the Browse button.
Select the file to create a shortcut > click the OK button.
Click the Next button.
Confirm a name for the shortcut > click the Finish button.
When done, the shortcut will be created on the desktop to access the file or location faster.

How to create desktop shortcuts using the context menu

Open File Explorer > browse to the file location to create the shortcut > Shift + Right-click the file > hover mouse over to Send to option > select the Desktop (create shortcut) button.
When done, the shortcut will be created on the desktop to access the file or location faster.

How to create desktop shortcuts using the Start menu

Open Start > click the All Apps button.
“Left-click and drag the app” to the desktop to create the shortcut.
When done, the shortcut will be created on the desktop to access the file or location faster.