A guide to creating website shortcuts in Windows 11 in a few steps

If you use Windows 11 and you want to access your favorite websites quickly, one of the best options is to create shortcuts on your desktop or in the Start menu. This method allows you to open any website directly without having to manually open your browser and type the address each time.

Windows 11 has revamped its interface and behavior compared to previous versions., so some users might not easily find how to create these shortcuts. In this guide, you'll discover all the possible ways to achieve this, both from browsers and Google Chrome o Microsoft Edge, or directly from the operating system. We'll also explain some differences between creating shortcuts to web pages and shortcuts to programs or documents.

Why create website shortcuts in Windows 11?

Creating shortcuts not only saves you time, but it also improves your workflow if you use certain websites regularly. Whether it's an online tool, a social network, or your email client, having it just a click away directly from your desktop is highly functional. Windows 11 allows you to do this in a variety of ways, including allowing this shortcut to open the website in a separate window, just like an app.

Create shortcut from Google Chrome

If you use Google Chrome as a regular browser, the process is very simple. Chrome allows you to create shortcuts that look like applications. which you can even pin to the taskbar or Start menu. To do this:

1. Open the web page you want to make into a shortcut.
2. Click the three vertical dots icon in the top right corner to display the menu.
3. Select “More Tools” and then click “Create Shortcut.”
4. Enter a name for the shortcut and select the "Open as window" checkbox if you want it to open without the browser interface.
5. Click "Create" and the shortcut will automatically be added to your desktop. From there, you can drag it to your taskbar or Start menu.

This method replicates a kind of web application (PWA), which is ideal if you use that page frequently and want a more integrated experience.

Create shortcut from Microsoft Edge

The default Windows 11 browser, Microsoft Edge, also allows this process. In fact, Its integration with the operating system even allows you to pin the website directly to the start menu or the taskbar.. The steps are:

1. Open Edge and visit the webpage you want to add as a shortcut.
2. Click on the three horizontal dots in the menu (top right corner).
3. Go to “Apps” and select “Install this site as an app.”
4. Assign a name and click “Install.”
5. Edge will then give you the option to pin the app to the Start menu, the taskbar, or create a shortcut on the desktop.

This option is very versatile and offers multiple ways of access from different parts of the operating system.. Also, like Chrome, it will run in its own window.

Desktop shortcuts without a browser

You can also do this directly from the operating system, without having to enter a browser. This classic method still works in Windows 11 and is useful if you prefer a shortcut that opens the browser directly to the desired URL, although it will not be visible as a separate app.

1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and select “New” → “Shortcut.”
2. In the item location, type the full web address (for example, https://www.google.com) and click “Next.”
3. Enter a name for the login (such as “Google”) and click “Finish.”

This method is direct and fast, although access will always open in your default browser, no matter which one it is.

Create shortcuts for Office programs

In addition to web pages, it is possible to create shortcuts for programs Microsoft Office, especially useful if you use Become, Excel, PowerPoint, or similar frequently. If you didn't create shortcuts when you installed Office, you can easily do so now:

1. Press the Windows key or open the start menu.
2. Find the Office program you want (for example, Word).
3. Click on the program icon and drag it directly to the desktopA shortcut will be generated automatically.

You can also create shortcuts to specific Office files:

1. Open File Explorer and locate the Word, Excel, or other document you want to add to your desktop.
2. Right-click on the file.
3. Select the “Show more options” option and then choose “Create shortcut.”
4. Windows will generate a copy of the shortcut that you can move to the desktop..

Other useful methods for quick access

In addition to the above methods, there are other alternatives to have quick access to certain content:

• Pin to taskbar: If you already have a shortcut on your desktop, right-click on it and choose "Pin to taskbar."
• Create shortcut folders on the desktop: You can group several related shortcuts into a single folder to keep your space more organized.
• Use keyboard shortcuts custom: When creating a shortcut, you can define a keyboard shortcut from the shortcut properties for even faster access.

These options are great if you work with multiple logins and want to keep your workflow fast and effective.

Limitations and differences between methods

Not all methods are the same. Shortcuts created from Chrome or Edge as web apps can be opened without the normal browser interface, which makes them more visually appealing. However, if you create the shortcut using the classic desktop method, it will always open in the default browser. It's important to consider this depending on the purpose of the shortcut.

Also, if you prefer a site to look like an app, Chrome or Edge are ideal. But if you just want to open a URL, the classic method is more than enough. If you want to learn more about desktop shortcuts, you can explore that option as well.

You should also know that Some web pages may not display correctly if opened as a standalone application, especially if they require multiple tabs or complex internal navigation. In those cases, it's best to use typical browser access.

Creating website shortcuts from Windows 11 is a customizable and versatile process.Depending on the browser you use or your usage preferences, you can opt for app-style shortcuts or traditional desktop shortcuts. Microsoft has kept the classic methods and improved integration with Edge, making it easy for any user to find a solution that fits their workflow. If you visit certain websites every day, don't hesitate to follow these steps and make them just a click away.