Microsoft – Create desktop application shortcut
Problem
You wish to create or restore a lost application desktop shortcut item.
Applies to
- Windows 11
Resolution
A desktop icon can be created for any application that you can search for in the Start menu should the icon not be available on the desktop.
Using a mouse
- Click Windows button to open Start menu.
- Type to search the application icon to place on the desktop, for example Google Chrome.
- Right click the returned result and choose Open File Location.
- In the new File Explorer window right click and choose More Options > Send To > Desktop (Create Shortcut) in the context menu. A shortcut of the application will then be restored to the desktop.
Using the keyboard
- Press Windows key open Start menu.
- Then type to search the application you wish to create a desktop shortcut for, eg Google Chrome..
- Then press SHIFT+F10 and use UP/DOWN ARROW keys to select Open File Location then press ENTER. A new File Explorer window will open and focus placed on the Application.
- Press SHIFT+F10 and use UP/DOWN ARROW keys to choose More Options > Send To > Desktop (Create shortcut), then press ENTER. A shortcut of the application will then be restored to the desktop.

Note
In Windows 10 select Send To > Desktop (Create Shortcut).
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