Windows 11 offers a wide range of features and functionalities that make it an ideal operating system for both personal and professional use. One of the key aspects of customizing your Windows 11 experience is adding apps to your desktop. In this article, we will explore the different ways to put apps on your desktop in Windows 11, including downloading apps from the Microsoft Store, installing third-party apps, and creating desktop shortcuts.
Downloading Apps from the Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store is a built-in app store in Windows 11 that offers a wide range of apps, including productivity tools, games, and entertainment apps. To download apps from the Microsoft Store, follow these steps:
Accessing the Microsoft Store
To access the Microsoft Store, click on the Start button and select the Microsoft Store app from the Start menu. Alternatively, you can search for “Microsoft Store” in the search bar and click on the app to open it.
Browsing the Microsoft Store
Once you have opened the Microsoft Store, you can browse through the various categories of apps, including:
- Productivity
- Games
- Entertainment
- Education
- Lifestyle
You can also search for specific apps using the search bar at the top of the page.
Downloading and Installing Apps
To download and install an app from the Microsoft Store, follow these steps:
- Click on the app you want to download and install.
- Click on the “Install” button.
- Wait for the app to download and install.
- Once the app is installed, click on the “Launch” button to open it.
Installing Third-Party Apps
In addition to downloading apps from the Microsoft Store, you can also install third-party apps on your Windows 11 desktop. Third-party apps are apps that are not available in the Microsoft Store and are typically downloaded from the internet.
Downloading Third-Party Apps
To download third-party apps, follow these steps:
- Open a web browser, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
- Search for the app you want to download.
- Click on the download link to download the app.
- Wait for the app to download.
Installing Third-Party Apps
To install third-party apps, follow these steps:
- Once the app has downloaded, click on the downloaded file to open it.
- Follow the installation prompts to install the app.
- Wait for the app to install.
Creating Desktop Shortcuts
In addition to downloading and installing apps, you can also create desktop shortcuts to your favorite apps. Desktop shortcuts allow you to quickly access your apps from your desktop.
Creating a Desktop Shortcut
To create a desktop shortcut, follow these steps:
- Right-click on an empty area of your desktop.
- Select “New” and then “Shortcut”.
- Enter the location of the app you want to create a shortcut for.
- Click “Next” and then “Finish”.
Customizing Your Desktop Shortcut
Once you have created a desktop shortcut, you can customize it by changing the icon and adding a description.
- Right-click on the desktop shortcut.
- Select “Properties”.
- Click on the “Change Icon” button to change the icon.
- Enter a description of the app in the “Description” field.
Pin Apps to the Taskbar
In addition to creating desktop shortcuts, you can also pin apps to the taskbar. Pinning apps to the taskbar allows you to quickly access your apps from the taskbar.
Pinning an App to the Taskbar
To pin an app to the taskbar, follow these steps:
- Open the app you want to pin to the taskbar.
- Right-click on the app icon in the taskbar.
- Select “Pin to taskbar”.
Unpinning an App from the Taskbar
To unpin an app from the taskbar, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the app icon in the taskbar.
- Select “Unpin from taskbar”.
Managing Your Apps
Once you have downloaded and installed apps on your Windows 11 desktop, you can manage them by uninstalling, updating, and troubleshooting them.
Uninstalling Apps
To uninstall an app, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button.
- Select the “Settings” app.
- Click on “Apps”.
- Select the app you want to uninstall.
- Click on the “Uninstall” button.
Updating Apps
To update an app, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button.
- Select the “Settings” app.
- Click on “Apps”.
- Select the app you want to update.
- Click on the “Update” button.
Troubleshooting Apps
To troubleshoot an app, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start button.
- Select the “Settings” app.
- Click on “Apps”.
- Select the app you want to troubleshoot.
- Click on the “Troubleshoot” button.
In conclusion, putting apps on your desktop in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be done in several ways. You can download apps from the Microsoft Store, install third-party apps, and create desktop shortcuts. Additionally, you can pin apps to the taskbar and manage your apps by uninstalling, updating, and troubleshooting them. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can customize your Windows 11 experience and make the most of your desktop.
What are the benefits of putting apps on my desktop in Windows 11?
Putting apps on your desktop in Windows 11 can greatly improve your productivity and workflow. By having your frequently used apps readily available on your desktop, you can quickly access them without having to navigate through the Start menu or taskbar. This can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on your work or other activities.
Additionally, having apps on your desktop can also help you stay organized. You can group similar apps together, create folders, and even pin your most-used apps to the taskbar for easy access. This can help you keep your digital workspace clutter-free and make it easier to find the apps you need when you need them.
How do I put apps on my desktop in Windows 11?
To put apps on your desktop in Windows 11, you can follow a few simple steps. First, open the Start menu and find the app you want to add to your desktop. Right-click on the app icon and select “More” > “Open file location.” This will take you to the app’s installation folder. From there, you can right-click on the app’s executable file (usually with a .exe extension) and select “Send to” > “Desktop (create shortcut)”.
Alternatively, you can also drag and drop the app icon from the Start menu to your desktop. To do this, click and hold on the app icon, then drag it to your desktop and release. This will create a shortcut to the app on your desktop. You can then rename the shortcut and move it to a location of your choice.
Can I put any type of app on my desktop in Windows 11?
Most apps can be put on your desktop in Windows 11, including desktop applications, Microsoft Store apps, and even some web apps. However, some apps may not be compatible with desktop shortcuts or may have specific installation requirements. For example, some apps may require administrator privileges to install or may need to be installed through the Microsoft Store.
In general, if an app has a desktop installer or is available through the Microsoft Store, you should be able to put it on your desktop. However, if an app is a web-based application or has specific installation requirements, you may need to check the app’s documentation or support resources for more information.
How do I organize my apps on my desktop in Windows 11?
Organizing your apps on your desktop in Windows 11 is easy. You can create folders and subfolders to group similar apps together, making it easier to find what you need. To create a folder, right-click on an empty area of your desktop and select “New” > “Folder.” You can then name the folder and move your apps into it.
You can also use the “Sort by” option to arrange your apps alphabetically, by type, or by date modified. To do this, right-click on an empty area of your desktop and select “Sort by” > “Name” (or “Type” or “Date modified”). This can help you quickly find the apps you need and keep your desktop organized.
Can I put apps on my desktop in Windows 11 if I’m using a touchscreen device?
Yes, you can put apps on your desktop in Windows 11 even if you’re using a touchscreen device. The process is similar to using a mouse and keyboard. To add an app to your desktop, tap and hold on the app icon in the Start menu, then drag it to your desktop and release. This will create a shortcut to the app on your desktop.
You can also use the “Send to” option to add an app to your desktop. To do this, tap and hold on the app icon, then select “More” > “Open file location.” From there, you can tap and hold on the app’s executable file and select “Send to” > “Desktop (create shortcut)”.
How do I remove apps from my desktop in Windows 11?
Removing apps from your desktop in Windows 11 is easy. To delete a shortcut, simply right-click on the app icon and select “Delete.” This will remove the shortcut from your desktop, but it won’t uninstall the app itself.
If you want to uninstall an app completely, you’ll need to go to the “Settings” app and select “Apps” > “Apps & features.” From there, you can find the app you want to uninstall and select “Uninstall.” This will remove the app from your device, including any shortcuts on your desktop.
Are there any security risks associated with putting apps on my desktop in Windows 11?
In general, putting apps on your desktop in Windows 11 is safe. However, as with any software installation, there is a risk of malware or viruses if you download apps from untrusted sources. To minimize this risk, make sure to only download apps from reputable sources, such as the Microsoft Store or the app developer’s website.
Additionally, be cautious when creating shortcuts to apps on your desktop. If you create a shortcut to an app that you don’t trust, it could potentially harm your device. To avoid this, only create shortcuts to apps that you trust and use regularly.