Windows 11 offers users the flexibility to customize their desktop experience by adding both default desktop icons and icons for installed applications. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of adding apps to your Windows 11 desktop, making your workflow more efficient and convenient.
The blog post is divided into two parts, the first part covers steps to add default desktop icon, while the second part covers steps to add icons of the app that you have installed on your PC. So let’s start with the first one:
Add Default Desktop icon Windows 11 Desktop
Right-click on any empty area of your desktop and select “Personalize” from the context menu.
In the Personalization settings, select the Theme option on the right side.
On this page, scroll down to “Related Settings,” and click on “Desktop icon settings.” This action will launch a new window dedicated to managing desktop icons.
Within the Desktop Icon Settings window, find the section labeled “Desktop icons.” Check the boxes next to the default icons you wish to display on your desktop, such as Recycle Bin, This PC, etc.
Once you’ve made your selections, click “Apply” and then “OK.”
The selected desktop icons will now appear on your desktop, providing quick access to essential system features.
Add Installed Apps icon Windows 11 Desktop
Click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of your screen to open the Start menu.
Within the Start menu, locate and click on “All Apps.” This will display a comprehensive list of all installed applications on your PC.
Scroll through the list of installed apps until you find the one you want to add to your desktop. For example, let’s say you want to add “Adobe Audition” to your desktop.
Using your mouse or touchpad, press and hold the application icon, then Drag the icon to your desktop and release it. This action will create a shortcut to the application on your desktop.
You can follow the same procedure to add additional apps to your desktop, tailoring it to your specific workflow and preferences.
By following these simple steps, you can efficiently organize your Windows 11 desktop with both default system icons and shortcuts to your favorite applications. This customization enhances productivity by providing quick access to the tools you use most frequently.