Pinning your favorite apps to the desktop in Windows 10 is a simple task that can save you time and effort. It involves locating the app you want to pin, right-clicking on it, and selecting the option to pin it to the desktop. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have easy access to the app directly from your desktop, making it quicker and more convenient to open and use.
Step by Step Tutorial: Pinning Your Favorite Apps to the Desktop in Windows 10
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what we’ll be accomplishing. Pinning apps to the desktop allows you to create shortcuts to your most-used programs, so they’re only a click away. It’s a great way to organize your workspace and increase productivity.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen to open the Start Menu.
The Start Menu is your gateway to all the apps installed on your computer. From here, you can scroll through the list of apps or use the search bar to find the one you want to pin to your desktop.
Step 2: Locate the App
Scroll through the list of apps or use the search bar to find the app you want to pin to the desktop.
If you’re having trouble finding the app, remember that you can type the name into the search bar and it should appear. Once you’ve found the app, proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Right-Click on the App
Right-click on the app to bring up a context menu.
This menu will offer several options, but the one you’re looking for is ‘More’. Hover over this option to proceed.
Step 4: Select ‘Pin to Taskbar’ or ‘Pin to Start’
Select ‘More’ and then choose either ‘Pin to Taskbar’ or ‘Pin to Start’ depending on where you want the shortcut.
If you choose ‘Pin to Taskbar’, the app will appear on the bar at the bottom of your screen. If you select ‘Pin to Start’, it will be added to the tiles in the Start Menu.
Step 5: Drag the App to the Desktop
If you want to pin the app to the desktop instead, click and drag the app from the Start Menu to your desktop.
This will create a shortcut on your desktop that you can double-click to open the app. You can position this shortcut anywhere you like on your desktop.
After you’ve completed the steps, the app will be pinned to your chosen location. You should see the app’s icon appear where you’ve pinned it. If you pinned it to the taskbar, it will be accessible with a single click. If you pinned it to the desktop, you can double-click the icon to launch the app.
Tips for Pinning Your Favorite Apps to the Desktop in Windows 10
- You can also pin folders and files to the desktop by right-clicking on them and selecting ‘Send to’ followed by ‘Desktop (create shortcut)’.
- If you want to pin a website to your desktop, open the website in your browser and drag the URL from the address bar to your desktop.
- Customize the icons of your pinned apps by right-clicking on the desktop shortcut, selecting ‘Properties’, and then ‘Change Icon’.
- Organize your desktop by grouping related app shortcuts together.
- If you ever want to unpin an app, simply right-click on the shortcut and select ‘Unpin from taskbar’ or ‘Delete’ for desktop shortcuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pin apps to the desktop in other versions of Windows?
Yes, the process is similar in other versions of Windows. Right-click on the app and choose the option to create a shortcut on the desktop.
Can I pin any app to the desktop?
Most apps can be pinned to the desktop, but there might be some exceptions, especially with system apps or those that need administrative rights.
How many apps can I pin to the desktop?
You can pin as many apps as you want, but keep in mind that cluttering your desktop with too many icons can make it look messy and disorganized.
Can I change the name of the shortcut on my desktop?
Yes, right-click on the desktop shortcut, select ‘Rename’, and type in the new name.
Can I pin apps to the desktop without going through the Start Menu?
Yes, you can also find the app in the File Explorer, right-click on its executable file, and select ‘Send to’ followed by ‘Desktop (create shortcut)’.
Summary
- Open the Start Menu.
- Locate the app.
- Right-click on the app.
- Select ‘Pin to Taskbar’ or ‘Pin to Start’.
- Drag the app to the desktop.
Conclusion
Pinning your favorite apps to the desktop in Windows 10 is a breeze once you know the steps. It’s an excellent way to keep the tools you use most right at your fingertips, reducing the time you spend searching for them. Remember, a tidy desktop is a productive desktop, so only pin the apps you use regularly. And don’t forget, you can also pin files, folders, and websites for even quicker access.
Customizing your workspace to fit your specific needs can make a world of difference in your daily routine. So why not take a few minutes now to pin your most-used apps to your desktop? It’s a small change that can lead to a big boost in efficiency. Plus, it’s just one of the many simple yet powerful ways you can personalize your Windows 10 experience. Give it a try, and see how much more convenient your computer use can be!
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.