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Adding an app to your Windows 10 desktop can be a useful way to access your favorite programs and tools quickly. Whether you’re a seasoned Windows user or new to the platform, this guide will walk you through the steps to add an app to your desktop efficiently.
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The Challenge of Adding an App to Windows 10 Desktop
Adding an app to your Windows 10 desktop may seem like a straightforward task, but it can sometimes be challenging, especially for novice users. The difficulty primarily arises from the different methods available for adding apps to the desktop, as well as potential compatibility issues with certain apps.
However, with the right knowledge and guidance, you can overcome these challenges and easily add apps to your Windows 10 desktop. In the following sections, we will explore several methods to help you achieve this.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we delve into the different methods, there are a few things you should prepare for:
1. Ensure that the app you want to add to the desktop is installed on your Windows 10 device. If not, go ahead and install it from a reliable source.
2. Check if the app you want to add is compatible with Windows 10. While most apps are designed to work seamlessly on this operating system, some may have specific requirements or limitations. It’s always a good idea to check the app’s system requirements or do some research to ensure compatibility.
3. Familiarize yourself with the different methods available for adding apps to the desktop. Windows 10 offers various approaches, and understanding them will help you choose the one that suits your needs best.
Now that you’re prepared, let’s dive into the methods you can use to add an app to your Windows 10 desktop.
Method 1: Using the Start Menu
Adding an app to the desktop using the Start menu is one of the simplest methods. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open the Start menu by clicking on the Windows icon located at the bottom left corner of your screen or pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Locate the app you want to add to the desktop. You can do this by scrolling through the list of installed apps or by typing the app’s name in the search bar at the bottom of the Start menu.
3. Once you’ve found the app, right-click on its icon.
4. In the context menu that appears, hover over the "More" option. A sub-menu will open.
5. From the sub-menu, select "Pin to taskbar." This will add the app’s icon to the taskbar, which is located at the bottom of your screen.
6. Right-click on the app’s icon on the taskbar.
7. In the context menu that appears, select "Pin to Start." This will add the app’s tile to the Start menu.
Pros:
1. Easy and quick process.
2. Allows for easy access to frequently used apps.
3. App icons are readily visible on the desktop.
Cons:
1. Limited space on the taskbar for app icons.
2. May clutter the Start menu if too many apps are added.
Method 2: Via the Desktop Context Menu
Another method for adding an app to the desktop involves using the context menu on the desktop itself. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Right-click on an empty space on the desktop.
2. In the context menu that appears, hover over "New."
3. Select "Shortcut" from the sub-menu. This will open the "Create Shortcut" window.
4. In the "Type the location of the item" field, enter the path of the app you want to add. This could be the executable file of the app or a shortcut to it if you have one.
5. Click "Next."
6. Enter a name for the shortcut in the "Type a name for this shortcut" field.
7. Click "Finish." The app’s shortcut will now be added to your desktop.
Pros:
1. Allows for customization of the app’s shortcut properties.
2. Offers flexibility in choosing which apps to add to the desktop.
3. Can add non-traditional shortcuts, such as files or folders, to the desktop.
Cons:
1. Requires knowledge of the app’s location or path.
2. May clutter the desktop if too many shortcuts are added.
Method 3: Using the Drag and Drop Functionality
If you want a more intuitive and visual way of adding an app to the desktop, you can use the drag and drop functionality. Here’s how it’s done:
1. Open the File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon located on the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. Navigate to the location where the app is installed. This could be in the "Program Files" folder or any other location you have chosen during the installation process.
3. Find the app’s executable file or shortcut.
4. Click and hold the left mouse button on the app’s icon.
5. Drag the icon to an empty space on the desktop.
6. Release the mouse button. The app’s shortcut will now be added to your desktop.
Pros:
1. Easy and intuitive process.
2. Provides a visual representation of the app on the desktop.
3. Doesn’t require specific knowledge of the app’s location.
Cons:
1. May accidentally move or delete the app’s icon if not careful.
2. Limited options for customizing the app’s properties.
Method 4: Via the “Send to” Functionality
The "Send to" functionality allows you to quickly add an app’s shortcut to the desktop by using the context menu. Here’s how it works:
1. Open the File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon located on the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. Navigate to the location where the app is installed.
3. Find the app’s executable file or shortcut.
4. Right-click on the app’s icon.
5. In the context menu that appears, hover over the "Send to" option. A sub-menu will open.
6. From the sub-menu, select "Desktop (create shortcut)." This will add the app’s shortcut to your desktop.
Pros:
1. Quick and convenient process.
2. Accessible directly from the context menu.
3. Doesn’t require manual dragging or typing.
Cons:
1. Limited customization options.
2. May clutter the desktop if multiple shortcuts are added.
Why Can’t I Add an App to Windows 10 Desktop?
There can be several reasons why you may encounter difficulties in adding an app to your Windows 10 desktop. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
1. Missing Administrative Rights:
– Fix: Ensure that you are logged in with an account that has administrative rights. If not, switch to an account with the necessary permissions or contact your system administrator.
2. Compatibility Issues:
– Fix: Check if the app you want to add is compatible with Windows 10. Visit the app’s official website or contact the developer for information on compatibility updates or patches.
3. Blocked by Antivirus or Security Software:
– Fix: Temporarily disable your antivirus or security software and try adding the app again. If successful, add an exception for the app in your security software to prevent future issues.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to enhance your experience when adding apps to your Windows 10 desktop:
1. Organize Your Desktop:
– Create folders on your desktop to group related apps or shortcuts together. This will help keep your desktop clean and organized.
2. Customize App Icons:
– If you want to change the icon of an app or shortcut on your desktop, right-click on the icon, select "Properties," and navigate to the "Shortcut" tab. Click on the "Change Icon" button and choose a new icon from the available options.
3. Remove Unwanted Apps:
– If you no longer need an app on your desktop, simply right-click on its icon and select "Delete" from the context menu. This will remove the app’s shortcut, but the app itself will remain installed on your system.
5 FAQs about Adding an App to Windows 10 Desktop
Q1: Can I add a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app to the desktop?
A: Yes, you can add UWP apps to the desktop by using the first three methods mentioned in this guide. However, UWP apps may have limited functionality when added to the desktop compared to traditional Win32 apps.
Q2: Can I add multiple versions of the same app to the desktop?
A: Yes, you can add multiple versions of the same app to the desktop using any of the methods described above. Each version will appear as a separate shortcut on the desktop.
Q3: Is it possible to customize the app’s properties after adding it to the desktop?
A: Yes, you can right-click on the app’s shortcut, select "Properties," and modify various properties such as the target, start in, or shortcut key assignments.
Q4: Can I add a website as an app to the desktop?
A: Yes, you can create a shortcut to a website and add it to the desktop using the second or third method described in this guide. This allows you to access your favorite websites quickly.
Q5: How many apps can I add to the desktop?
A: There is no strict limit on the number of apps you can add to the desktop. However, keep in mind that adding too many apps may clutter your desktop and make it less organized.
In Conclusion
Adding an app to your Windows 10 desktop can greatly improve your productivity and accessibility. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily add your favorite apps to the desktop and customize their properties to suit your needs. Remember to prepare the necessary information and familiarize yourself with the available methods before adding apps to ensure a smooth experience.