How to Create Shortcuts to Store Apps on Windows 11.
If you want to create shortcuts to Store apps on your desktop in Windows 11/10, in this tutorial you'll find two easy methods to do so.
in previous versions of Windows, the usual way to create a shortcut to an application was to right-click on the application and select "Send to > Desktop (Create Shortcut)".
However, this method no longer works in Windows 10/11 with the Store apps and many users are wondering how to create desktop shortcuts Microsoft Store apps or of the installed applications.
How to Create Store Apps Shortcuts on Desktop in Windows 11/10.
Method 1. Create Apps Desktop Shortcuts from Start > All Apps menu.
The easiest way to create desktop shortcuts to applications and apps from the Microsoft Store in Windows 11 is from the "All Apps" list. To do this:
1. Click Start and then click All Apps.
2. Click on the app you want to shortcut to and while holding the left mouse button drag your mouse on the desktop until you see Link above the app icon. Then, release the mouse's button to create the shortcut.
Method 2. Create Desktop Shortcuts to Store Apps from "Applications" folder.
Then second method to create a shortcut to any Store App or installed application, is from "Applications" folder.
1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run command box:
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
- shell:appsfolder
3. From "Applications" folder you can use either one of the following two (2) ways to create shortcuts:
Way 1:
Drag the app you want to create a shortcut to your desktop and then release your mouse's button when you see the phrase "Create link in desktop".
Way 2:
1. Right-click on the app and select Create shortcut.
2. Then click Yes when prompted "Windows can't create a shortcut here. Do you want the shortcut to be placed on the desktop instead?"
That's it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a desktop shortcut for Store apps in Windows 10/11 using the Start menu?
To create a desktop shortcut for Store apps using the Start menu: Click 'Start', then 'All Apps'. Click and drag the desired app to the desktop and release the mouse button.
Can I use the traditional 'Send to > Desktop' method for Store apps in Windows 10/11?
No, the 'Send to > Desktop' method no longer works for Store apps in Windows 10/11.
What command should I use to access all applications in Windows 10/11 for shortcut creation?
Press 'Windows + R' to open the Run command box, type 'shell:appsfolder', and press 'Enter' to access all applications.
What will happen if I attempt to create a shortcut via the Applications folder in Windows 10/11?
When you right-click an app and select 'Create shortcut', it will prompt 'Windows can't create a shortcut here. Do you want the shortcut to be placed on the desktop instead?' Click 'Yes' to confirm.
- How to Add a Shared Calendar in Outlook for Web (OWA) - May 20, 2026
- How to Stop Windows 11 from Downgrading GPU Drivers. - May 18, 2026
- How to Update Third-Party Apps via Intune using WinGet AutoUpdate for Intune. - May 14, 2026

