Want to organize your desktop by moving apps from the taskbar to the desktop in Windows 11? It’s pretty simple! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a cleaner, more organized workspace in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial: Moving Apps from Taskbar to Desktop in Windows 11
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve. By moving apps from the taskbar to the desktop, we’re creating shortcuts on the desktop, making it easier to access these apps without crowding the taskbar.
Step 1: Locate the app on the taskbar
Find the app you want to move on the taskbar. Remember, we’re not actually moving the app, just creating a shortcut on the desktop.
Creating a shortcut on the desktop does not remove the app from the taskbar. You can have the app in both places for convenience.
Step 2: Right-click on the app
Once you’ve found the app, right-click on its icon in the taskbar. A menu will pop up with various options.
Be careful not to click on any other options in the menu as this could result in different actions like opening the app or unpinning it from the taskbar.
Step 3: Select "Show more options"
In the menu that appears after right-clicking, you’ll see an option that says "Show more options". Click on this to expand the menu.
The expanded menu will provide additional actions you can take with the app, including creating a desktop shortcut.
Step 4: Choose "Open file location"
After clicking "Show more options", another menu will appear. Here, you need to click on "Open file location". This will open the folder where the app’s shortcut is located in File Explorer.
It’s important to note that some apps might not have the "Open file location" option. This method works best with traditional desktop applications.
Step 5: Create a shortcut on the desktop
Once you’re in the folder with the app’s shortcut, right-click on it, select "Send to", and then choose "Desktop (create shortcut)".
This action will create a shortcut of the app on your desktop. You can now access the app directly from your desktop without going to the taskbar.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a new shortcut on your desktop that you can use to quickly open the app. This can help you keep your taskbar less cluttered and make your desktop the main hub for launching your favorite apps.
Tips for Moving Apps from Taskbar to Desktop in Windows 11
- Make sure you’re creating shortcuts and not moving the actual app files to avoid errors.
- Organize your desktop shortcuts into folders for even better desktop organization.
- Consider renaming shortcuts to make them more recognizable at a glance.
- If you frequently use an app, consider pinning it to the taskbar as well for quick access.
- Regularly clean up unused shortcuts from your desktop to keep it tidy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move Windows Store apps to the desktop?
Yes, many Windows Store apps can also be moved to the desktop by creating shortcuts using the same method outlined above.
Will moving an app to the desktop remove it from the taskbar?
No, creating a desktop shortcut does not remove the app from the taskbar. It just creates a copy of the shortcut.
Can I move multiple apps at once?
Unfortunately, you’ll need to move each app individually as Windows 11 does not support batch operations for creating shortcuts.
What if the app doesn’t have an "Open file location" option?
For some apps, particularly system apps or Windows Store apps, you might not see this option. In such cases, you can search for the app in the Start Menu, right-click, and select "Open file location" from there.
Can I delete the desktop shortcut without affecting the app on the taskbar?
Yes, deleting the desktop shortcut won’t affect the app pinned to the taskbar or its installation.
Summary
- Locate the app on the taskbar
- Right-click on the app
- Select "Show more options"
- Choose "Open file location"
- Create a shortcut on the desktop
Conclusion
Moving apps from the taskbar to the desktop in Windows 11 is a breeze once you know the steps. Not only does it help de-clutter your taskbar, but it also gives you quicker access to your favorite apps right from the desktop. Remember, keeping your digital workspace organized can greatly improve your productivity and make for a more pleasing computer experience. So go ahead, give your taskbar a break, and spread those apps out on the desktop! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started with Windows 11, mastering your desktop organization is a skill worth having. Happy organizing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.