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Moving apps to the home screen on Windows 10 can be a convenient way to access your frequently used applications. Whether you are using a desktop or a laptop, having quick access to your favorite apps can save you time and streamline your workflow. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to move apps to the home screen on Windows 10, along with their pros and cons.
What’s Needed
To move apps to the home screen on Windows 10, here are a few requirements:
- A Windows 10 device
- An account with administrative privileges
- The app you want to move
Video Tutorial:
What Requires Your Focus?
Before you proceed with moving apps to the home screen on Windows 10, here are a few points you should focus on:
- Determine the apps you frequently use and would like to have quick access to
- Consider the organization of your home screen and how the placement of the apps will affect your productivity
- Be mindful of the available screen space and how many apps can fit without cluttering the home screen
Option 1. How to Move Apps to Home Screen via Drag and Drop
Moving apps to the home screen via drag and drop is a simple and straightforward method. Follow these steps:
1. Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
2. Locate the app you want to move to the home screen.
3. Click and hold the app icon.
4. Drag the app to the desired location on the home screen.
5. Release the mouse button to drop the app in the selected location.
Pros:
- Quick and easy method
- Does not require any additional software
Cons:
- May not work with certain app icons or configurations
- Cannot create custom app shortcuts with this method
Option 2. How to Move Apps to Home Screen via Context Menu
Another method to move apps to the home screen is by using the context menu. Here’s how:
1. Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
2. Locate the app you want to move to the home screen.
3. Right-click on the app icon to open the context menu.
4. Select "Pin to Start" from the context menu.
5. The app will now appear on the home screen.
Pros:
- Allows for easy pinning of apps to the home screen
- Works well with most app icons and configurations
Cons:
- Requires right-clicking and navigating through the context menu
- Cannot create custom app shortcuts with this method
Option 3. How to Move Apps to Home Screen via PowerShell
For more advanced users, PowerShell offers a powerful way to move apps to the home screen. Follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User menu.
2. Select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" from the menu.
3. In the PowerShell window, type the following command: `Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Select Name, PackageFullName`
4. Locate the PackageFullName of the app you want to move to the home screen.
5. Type the following command to pin the app to the home screen: `Start-Process shell:AppsFolder\
Pros:
- Enables pinning of apps to the home screen with specific commands
- Allows for customization and automation of app placement
Cons:
- Requires familiarity with PowerShell commands
- May not be suitable for novice users
Option 4. How to Move Apps to Home Screen via Third-Party Software
If you prefer a more comprehensive and customizable solution, there are third-party software options available. One such app is Classic Shell. Follow these steps:
1. Download and install Classic Shell from their official website.
2. Launch Classic Shell and go to the "Start Menu Style" tab.
3. Click on the "Customize Start Menu" button.
4. In the settings window, navigate to the "Items" tab.
5. Locate the app you want to move to the home screen and check the box next to it.
6. Click on the "OK" button to apply the changes.
Pros:
- Offers advanced customization options for the home screen
- Allows for creation of custom app shortcuts and folders
Cons:
- Requires installation of third-party software
- May introduce additional complexity and potential compatibility issues
Why Can’t I Move Apps to Home Screen?
If you’re unable to move apps to the home screen using the methods mentioned above, here are a few alternative solutions:
1. Check if the app supports pinning to the home screen. Some apps may not have this functionality built-in.
2. Restart your computer. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve any temporary glitches or conflicts.
3. Update Windows 10 to the latest version. New updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve issues with moving apps.
4. Try using a different user account. It’s possible that the issue is specific to your user profile, so creating a new account can help troubleshoot the problem.
Implications and Recommendations
When moving apps to the home screen on Windows 10, keep the following in mind:
1. Be mindful of the number of apps on the home screen. Having too many can clutter the screen and make it difficult to find the desired app.
2. Organize the apps based on your workflow and usage patterns. Place frequently used apps in prominent positions for easy access.
3. Customize the layout and appearance of the home screen to suit your preferences and improve productivity.
The Bottom Line
Moving apps to the home screen on Windows 10 can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency. Whether you choose to do it via drag and drop, the context menu, PowerShell, or third-party software, the method you opt for depends on your level of comfort and the extent of customization you desire.
5 FAQs about Moving Apps to Home Screen on Windows 10
Q1: Can I move apps to the home screen on Windows 10 using a touchscreen device?
A1: Yes, you can move apps to the home screen on Windows 10 using touch gestures. Simply tap and hold the app icon, then drag it to the desired location on the screen.
Q2: Can I create folders on the home screen to organize my apps?
A2: Yes, you can create folders on the home screen to organize your apps. Simply drag one app icon on top of another to create a folder. You can then name the folder and add more apps to it.
Q3: Is there a limit to the number of apps I can have on the home screen?
A3: There is no specific limit to the number of apps you can have on the home screen. However, keep in mind that having too many apps can make the screen crowded and less user-friendly.
Q4: Can I move apps to the home screen from the taskbar?
A4: No, you cannot move apps directly from the taskbar to the home screen. The taskbar and the home screen are separate areas with different functionalities.
Q5: Can I revert changes made to the home screen?
A5: Yes, you can revert changes made to the home screen. Simply right-click on the app icon and select "Unpin from Start" to remove it from the home screen.