Google Chrome makes it easy to open website shortcuts in the bookmarks bar, but did you know you can also create shortcuts to your favorite websites by adding them to your desktop or any other folder?
These shortcuts are unique in that they can be configured to open websites in separate windows without menus, tabs, or other standard browser components, similar to a Chrome Web Store app.
However, a Chrome shortcut can also be configured to open as a standard web page in a new browser tab, as the separate window option is not available in all versions of Windows.
How to Create Chrome Shortcuts on Desktop
- Open the Chrome web browser.
- Opens the Chrome main menu button, located in the upper right corner of the browser and represented by three vertically aligned dots.
- Go to More tools and select Add to desktop , Create shortcut , or Create application shortcuts (which option you see depends on your operating system).
- Type a name for the shortcut, or leave it as the default name, which is the title of the web page you’re on.
- Click Create to add the shortcut to your desktop.
There may be some additional buttons or options in some versions of Windows, such as one to specify where to save the shortcut or one to specify how to open the shortcut when you select it. If these options are not available, the link will go directly to your desktop and open in a new browser tab.
- You should now have a shortcut to the chrome desktop.
Learn more about creating Chrome shortcuts
The above method is not the only way to create shortcuts that open in Chrome. Another way is to simply drag and drop a link directly to the folder of your choice. For example, while on this page, simply hover your mouse in the URL area and highlight the entire link, then click+hold+drag the link to a folder on your computer.
Another way to create website shortcuts on the Windows desktop is to right-click on the desktop and choose New > Shortcut . Enter the URL you want to open when you double-click or double-tap the shortcut, then give it an appropriate name.
You can also drag a shortcut from your desktop and drop it directly onto the Windows taskbar for even faster access.
If none of the methods on this page work to open the link in Chrome, you may need to change what Windows sees as the default browser. See How to change the default browser in Windows if you need help.