How to Move Apps from Taskbar to Desktop in Windows 11

Moving apps from the taskbar to the desktop in Windows 11 is a simple process. Essentially, you just need to locate the app icon, create a shortcut and drag it to your desktop. Voila! You have your app right where you want it.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Move Apps from Taskbar to Desktop Windows 11

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that this tutorial will guide you in creating shortcuts of your favorite apps on the desktop for quick access. Doing so will not remove the app from the taskbar, but will simply create a copy of the app’s shortcut on your desktop.

Step 1: Find the app icon

Locate the app icon that you want to move from the taskbar to the desktop.

When you have found the app icon on the taskbar, right-click on it. This will open a menu with a few options. If it’s a Microsoft app, you might see more options, but don’t worry about those for now.

Step 2: Open the app’s file location

From the menu, select "More" and then click on "Open file location."

This action will open a File Explorer window that directly goes to the folder where the app’s shortcut is located. You’ll see a list of apps in that folder.

Step 3: Create a desktop shortcut

Right-click on the app’s shortcut and select "Send to" followed by "Desktop (create shortcut)."

This will create a shortcut of the app on your desktop. You can now access the app directly from your desktop without having to go through the taskbar.

After completing these steps, you’ll notice the new app shortcut on your desktop. It’s an exact replica of the one in the taskbar, and clicking on it will launch the app just the same.

Tips: Moving Apps from Taskbar to Desktop Windows 11

• If you can’t find the "Open file location" option, the app might be a Windows Store app, which doesn’t allow creating shortcuts in the same way.
• Personalize your desktop further by right-clicking the new shortcut and selecting "Properties" to change the icon or the shortcut’s name.
• Keep your desktop organized by grouping similar app shortcuts together.
• If you change your mind, you can remove the shortcut at any time by dragging it to the recycle bin.
• Remember that creating a shortcut on the desktop doesn’t remove the app from the taskbar; it just creates a copy for faster access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove apps from the taskbar after moving them to the desktop?

Yes, you can remove apps from the taskbar by right-clicking on them and selecting "Unpin from taskbar."

Will creating a shortcut on the desktop take up more space on my computer?

No, creating a shortcut does not take up significant space as it’s just a link to the actual app.

What if I don’t see the "Open file location" option?

If the "Open file location" option is not available, the app may be a Windows Store app, which requires a different method to create a shortcut.

Can I move multiple apps at once?

You can’t move multiple apps at once; you’ll need to create shortcuts for each app individually.

Is this process reversible?

Absolutely, you can delete the desktop shortcuts at any time without affecting the apps on the taskbar.

Summary

1. Find the app icon.
2. Open the app’s file location.
3. Create a desktop shortcut.

Conclusion

Moving apps from the taskbar to the desktop in Windows 11 is a breeze once you know the steps. It’s a handy trick that can save you time and make your workflow more efficient. With just a few clicks, you can create shortcuts for all your frequently used apps and have them right at your fingertips on the desktop. Remember, personalizing your workspace to fit your needs is key to a productive and enjoyable computing experience. So go ahead, give it a try and see how it transforms the way you use your PC. And if you ever need to reverse the process, it’s as simple as dragging the shortcuts to the recycle bin. Happy computing!