Creating a desktop shortcut for your Microsoft Store apps can significantly improve your workflow by providing quick access directly from your desktop. Instead of navigating through menus or searching in the Start menu each time you want to open an app, a desktop shortcut offers instant convenience. This guide walks you through the simple steps to create a shortcut for any Microsoft Store app on your Windows 10 desktop, ensuring you can launch your favorite applications faster and more efficiently. Before starting, ensure that your app is installed from the Microsoft Store and that your desktop is accessible for placing shortcuts.
What You’ll Need
- A Windows 10 PC with Microsoft Store apps installed
- Access to the Start menu or the Microsoft Store
- Basic familiarity with Windows navigation
Step-by-Step
- Open the Start Menu: Click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Locate the App: Scroll through the list of installed apps or use the search bar at the top of the Start menu to find the Microsoft Store app you want to create a shortcut for.
- Right-Click the App: Once you’ve found the app, right-click on its icon to open the context menu.
- Select ‘Open file location’: If this option is available, click it. This will open the folder containing the app’s shortcut in File Explorer. If ‘Open file location’ is not available, proceed to the next step.
- If ‘Open file location’ is unavailable, open the Microsoft Store app, find your app, and right-click on it there, then select ‘Share’ and choose ‘Copy link’. Paste this link into a browser, and it might redirect you to the Microsoft Store webpage, where you can sometimes access more options.
- Alternatively, create a shortcut manually: Right-click on an empty area of your desktop, select ‘New’, then click ‘Shortcut’.
- Enter the App’s URI: In the location field, type the app’s URI scheme, which usually looks like ‘ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=…’ (you can find this in app info or online guides for specific apps). Alternatively, if you have the app’s shortcut in the Start menu, drag and drop it onto the desktop.
- Name the Shortcut: Give your shortcut a recognizable name, such as the app’s name, then click ‘Finish’.
- Optional – Pin to Desktop: If you want the shortcut to appear directly on your desktop, ensure it’s placed there, or right-click the shortcut and select ‘Pin to desktop’ if available.
- Test the Shortcut: Double-click the new desktop icon to verify it opens the desired Microsoft Store app.
Common Mistakes
- Using incorrect URI schemes: Not all apps support custom URI links, which can prevent shortcuts from opening correctly.
- Dropping the shortcut in the wrong location: Ensure the shortcut is placed on the desktop for easy access.
- Not running as administrator: Some shortcuts may require administrative privileges to launch properly, especially if they access system features.
- Confusing app icons: Make sure you are creating shortcuts for the correct app, especially if multiple similar apps are installed.
- Forgetting to test: Always double-click the shortcut to confirm it opens the app as intended.
Tips
- Use descriptive names for your shortcuts to easily identify them later.
- Customize the shortcut icon by right-clicking, selecting ‘Properties’, then ‘Change Icon’.
- Create a dedicated folder on your desktop for all your app shortcuts to keep things organized.
- If the app is frequently used, consider pinning it to the taskbar for even faster access.
- For advanced users, scripting with PowerShell can automate the creation of multiple shortcuts at once.
Troubleshooting
If your shortcut does not work as expected, try these solutions:
- Verify the URI scheme: Check that you have entered the correct URI for the app. You can find this information on developer forums or official documentation.
- Recreate the shortcut: Delete the non-working shortcut and create a new one following the steps carefully.
- Run the shortcut as administrator: Right-click the shortcut and select ‘Run as administrator’ to see if permissions are causing issues.
- Update Windows and the app: Ensure your Windows 10 is up to date, and the app itself is updated to avoid compatibility issues.
- Check for app-specific instructions: Some apps have unique methods for creating shortcuts; consult the app developer’s support resources.
- Use the built-in ‘Pin to Start’ or ‘Pin to taskbar’ options as alternatives if shortcuts fail to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a shortcut for any Microsoft Store app?
Most Microsoft Store apps can be assigned shortcuts, but some may lack support for custom URI schemes, making shortcut creation more difficult.
How do I find the URI scheme for a specific app?
Check the app’s documentation, developer resources, or online forums. Some apps list their URI schemes explicitly, or you can use tools to inspect app protocols.
Is it possible to create a shortcut that updates automatically with app updates?
Yes, shortcuts are simply links; they do not interfere with app updates. The shortcut will always open the current installed version.
What if the app doesn’t open when I double-click the shortcut?
Ensure the URI scheme is correct, the app is installed properly, and that the shortcut points to the right location. Running as administrator may also resolve some issues.
Can I change the icon of my desktop shortcut?
Yes, right-click the shortcut, select ‘Properties’, then ‘Change Icon’ to choose a different icon for visual distinction.
Is there an easier way to pin apps to the desktop?
While Windows doesn’t natively allow pinning directly to the desktop, creating shortcuts as described is the most straightforward method. Alternatively, pinning to the taskbar or Start menu may be faster.
By following these steps and tips, you can quickly create desktop shortcuts for your Microsoft Store apps, streamlining your workflow and ensuring your favorite applications are always within easy reach. If you encounter issues, the troubleshooting tips and FAQs should help resolve common problems efficiently. Enjoy a more organized and accessible Windows 10 experience with custom app shortcuts!
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