The arrival of Windows 11 has ushered in a new era of user experience, with a redesigned interface that emphasizes aesthetic appeal and ease of use. One of the charming features of this new operating system is the integration of apps from the Microsoft Store. However, many users may find it a bit tricky to place these apps directly on the desktop for quick access. In this article, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to quickly and efficiently add Microsoft Store apps to your desktop in Windows 11.
Understanding Microsoft Store Apps
Before diving into the steps, let’s briefly discuss what Microsoft Store apps are. These apps are specially designed to work seamlessly on Windows systems and typically offer a more streamlined and secure experience compared to traditional desktop applications. They are wrapped in a protective framework to enhance security and performance and can automatically receive updates via the Microsoft Store.
The Importance of Desktop Shortcuts
Having apps on your desktop can significantly enhance your workflow and productivity. Shortening the time it takes to launch an app means you can focus on your tasks rather than wasting precious seconds navigating the Start menu or the Microsoft Store. By creating desktop shortcuts for your favorite Microsoft Store apps, you improve accessibility and can customize your desktop layout to fit your needs better.
Steps to Put Microsoft Store Apps on Desktop
Step 1: Install the Microsoft Store App
Before anything else, ensure that the Microsoft Store app you want to place on the desktop is already installed on your Windows 11 machine. Here’s how to do that:
Open Microsoft Store
: Click on the Start Menu and scroll down to find the Microsoft Store or type “Microsoft Store” in the search bar.
Search for the App
: Use the search bar within the store to find the app you want to install. For example, you might look for “Facebook” or “Spotify”.
Install the App
: Click on the app icon and then hit the “Get” or “Install” button to begin the installation process. Wait for the download and installation to complete.
Step 2: Locate the Installed App
Once you’ve installed the app, the next step is to locate it. Follow these instructions:
Open the Start Menu
: Click the Start icon (the Windows logo) found either in the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
Find Your App
: Scroll through the list of applications. While some apps might be pinned to the Start menu, others can be found in alphabetical order in the “All apps” section. Here, look for the app you just installed.
Step 3: Create a Desktop Shortcut
Now that you have located your app in the Start menu, it’s time to create a desktop shortcut. Here are the steps to create that shortcut:
Right-Click the App
: Once you find the app, right-click on its icon. A context menu will appear.
Select ‘Pin to Taskbar’ (Optional)
: To quickly access the app from the taskbar, you can select “Pin to taskbar.” However, this doesn’t create a desktop shortcut.
Create Shortcut
: If you want to create a desktop shortcut:
- Hover over the “More” option in the context menu.
- Click on “Open file location.” This will take you to the app’s location in File Explorer.
- Once you are in the File Explorer window, right-click on the app icon again.
- Select “Create shortcut.” If you’re prompted with a message that states “Windows can’t create a shortcut here,” opt to create a shortcut on the desktop instead.
Drag and Drop (Alternative Method)
: If you’d prefer a quicker method, you can click and hold the app icon and drag it directly to the desktop. This will automatically create a shortcut.
Step 4: Verify the Shortcut
After creating the shortcut, you should verify that it works as intended:
Locate the Shortcut on Your Desktop
: You should see the newly created app icon on your desktop.
Double-click the Icon
: To ensure it’s functioning correctly, double-click the shortcut icon. The app should launch without any issues.
Step 5: Organizing Your Desktop
Now that you’ve populated your desktop with the desired shortcuts, it may be helpful to organize them for quick access.
Group Similar Apps
: You can create folders on your desktop for similar applications (e.g., “Games,” “Productivity,” or “Social Media”). To create a folder, right-click on an empty space on your desktop, go to “New,” and then click on “Folder.” You can drag app shortcuts into these folders for easier access.
Rename Shortcut Icons
: Sometimes, the default names of the shortcuts can be too long or confusing. Right-click the shortcut, select “Rename,” and enter a simpler name if you wish.
Step 6: Managing App Updates
Just as with any software, keeping your Microsoft Store apps updated is crucial for accessing new features and maintaining security. Here’s how to keep your installed apps up to date:
Open Microsoft Store
: Launch the Microsoft Store.
Click on ‘Library’
: Located in the bottom left corner of the Store.
Check for Updates
: Click on the “Get updates” button. Any available updates for your installed apps will begin downloading automatically.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the straightforward steps provided, users may run into several issues while trying to create desktop shortcuts for Microsoft Store apps. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Cannot Locate App
: If you don’t find your app in the Start menu, ensure that the installation completed successfully. Rebooting your computer might also help to refresh the app list.
Shortcut Won’t Work
: If you created a shortcut but it doesn’t open the app:
- Ensure you created the shortcut correctly by checking the app’s path.
- Delete the broken shortcut and re-create it by following the steps again.
App Unresponsive or Crashes
: An app may not respond or crash upon launching. In such cases, consider uninstalling it via the Settings app and reinstalling it from the Microsoft Store.
Update Failures
: If you face issues while trying to update an app, manually uninstall it and then reinstall the latest version through the Store.
Alternative Ways to Access Apps
If you prefer not using desktop shortcuts, you have several alternatives to access your Microsoft Store apps:
Pin to Taskbar
: As mentioned before, you can pin frequently used apps to the taskbar for quick access without cluttering your desktop.
Start Menu Pinning
: You can also pin apps directly to the Start Menu by right-clicking on the app icon in the Start Menu and selecting “Pin to Start.”
Use Windows Search
: Simply press the Windows key and start typing the name of the app, and hit Enter once it appears as a search result.
Conclusion
The process of placing Microsoft Store apps directly on the desktop in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to enhance your accessibility and efficiency while using your computer. By following the steps outlined in this guide, creating and organizing shortcuts becomes an easy task, allowing you to focus on your work without unnecessary distractions.
This actionable knowledge can empower users of all experience levels, whether new to Windows 11 or seasoned professionals. With just a few clicks, you can customize your workspace, streamline your workflow, and create a more user-friendly computing environment.
In summary, embrace this new way of using your Windows 11 desktop, collect your favorite apps, and enjoy quick access as you navigate both work and play with ease!