How Can I Move Apps From The Taskbar To The Desktop?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Troubleshooting & How To

In today’s fast-paced digital world, customizing your computer workspace to suit your personal workflow can make a significant difference in productivity and ease of use. One common customization many users seek is moving apps from the taskbar to the desktop. This simple yet effective adjustment can help declutter your taskbar, provide quicker access to your favorite programs, and create a more organized and visually appealing interface.

Understanding how to transition apps from the taskbar to the desktop is a handy skill for both beginners and seasoned computer users. Whether you prefer a minimalist desktop or want to keep your taskbar reserved for only the most essential tools, knowing how to manage app locations empowers you to tailor your environment exactly how you want it. This process involves more than just dragging and dropping—it’s about optimizing your digital workspace for comfort and efficiency.

As you explore the steps and tips for moving apps from the taskbar to the desktop, you’ll discover how easy it is to customize your computer’s layout. This knowledge not only enhances your user experience but also helps maintain a clean, accessible, and personalized desktop that reflects your unique style and needs. Get ready to take control of your digital space and make your favorite applications more accessible than ever before.

Using Drag-and-Drop to Create Desktop Shortcuts

One of the most straightforward methods to move apps from the taskbar to the desktop is by creating shortcuts through drag-and-drop. This process does not actually remove the app from the taskbar but allows quick access from the desktop.

To create a desktop shortcut from the taskbar:

  • Click and hold the app icon on the taskbar.
  • Drag the icon away from the taskbar onto an empty space on the desktop.
  • Release the mouse button to drop the shortcut.

This action automatically generates a shortcut on the desktop pointing to the application. Note that the original icon remains pinned on the taskbar, allowing you to keep using both access points.

Pinning Apps to the Desktop via Start Menu

If dragging from the taskbar is not preferred or possible, you can create desktop shortcuts by accessing the app through the Start menu:

  • Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
  • Locate the app in the list or search for it by name.
  • Right-click the app and select “Open file location.” This opens the folder containing the app’s shortcut.
  • Drag the shortcut from the folder to the desktop, or right-click the shortcut and choose “Send to” > “Desktop (create shortcut).”

This method is particularly useful for apps that do not appear directly on the taskbar or when a shortcut on the desktop is desired without affecting taskbar pins.

Removing Apps from the Taskbar After Creating Desktop Shortcuts

Once a desktop shortcut has been created, you may want to remove the app from the taskbar to avoid duplication. To unpin an app from the taskbar:

  • Right-click the app icon on the taskbar.
  • Select “Unpin from taskbar” from the context menu.

This action removes the app icon from the taskbar but does not affect the desktop shortcut or the app’s installation.

Comparing Access Methods: Desktop Shortcut vs. Taskbar Pin

Understanding the differences between desktop shortcuts and taskbar pins can help determine the best option for your workflow.

Feature Desktop Shortcut Taskbar Pin
Location On the desktop surface On the taskbar at the bottom of the screen
Visibility Visible on desktop, can be moved or deleted easily Always visible when the taskbar is shown
Accessibility Requires navigating to desktop, possibly minimizing windows Accessible from any open window without minimizing
Customization Shortcut icon can be changed manually Icon is generally fixed to the app’s default icon
Impact on System No effect on taskbar or system settings Pinned apps can influence taskbar organization and quick launch

Using Third-Party Tools to Manage App Shortcuts

For users seeking more advanced control over app shortcuts and their placement, third-party utilities can simplify moving and organizing apps between the taskbar and desktop. Some popular tools include:

  • TaskbarX: Customizes taskbar icons and animations, allowing more flexible management.
  • DesktopOK: Saves and restores desktop icon layouts, useful when frequently moving shortcuts.
  • WinLaunch: Offers a Mac-like launcher to organize and access apps independently from the taskbar or desktop.

These tools provide enhanced functionality beyond Windows’ native features, especially for power users who prefer a customized workspace.

Considerations for Different Windows Versions

The steps and behaviors described here may vary slightly depending on the Windows version:

  • Windows 10: Supports drag-and-drop for creating desktop shortcuts and pinning/unpinning from the taskbar. The Start menu provides easy access to app locations.
  • Windows 11: The taskbar is centered by default, but drag-and-drop from the taskbar to the desktop is still supported. The Start menu has a redesigned interface but similar right-click options.
  • Older versions (Windows 7, 8): The process is similar, but the Start menu layout and taskbar behavior may differ slightly. Some drag-and-drop features might be limited or behave differently.

Always ensure your system is updated to take advantage of the latest features and security enhancements related to app management.

Steps to Move Apps from the Taskbar to the Desktop

Moving apps from the taskbar to the desktop involves creating shortcuts on the desktop while removing them from the taskbar. This process helps organize your workspace and allows easier access to frequently used applications directly from the desktop.

Follow these detailed steps to move apps from the taskbar to the desktop in Windows:

  • Unpin the app from the taskbar:
    • Right-click the app icon on the taskbar.
    • Select Unpin from taskbar from the context menu.
  • Create a desktop shortcut:
    • Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
    • Locate the app in the Start menu, either by browsing the list or typing its name in the search bar.
    • Right-click the app icon in the Start menu.
    • Choose Open file location. If this option is not available, proceed directly to the next step.
    • In the opened folder, right-click the app’s executable or shortcut file, then select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
    • If Open file location is unavailable, you can drag the app directly from the Start menu to the desktop to create a shortcut.

These steps ensure the app is removed from the taskbar and accessible via a desktop shortcut.

Alternative Method Using Drag-and-Drop

Windows allows a more direct approach for certain apps, especially those pinned to the taskbar:

  • Click and hold the app icon on the taskbar.
  • Drag the icon upwards onto an empty space on the desktop.
  • Release the mouse button to drop the shortcut onto the desktop.
  • Right-click the app icon on the taskbar and select Unpin from taskbar to remove it from the taskbar.

This drag-and-drop method is quick and intuitive, but it may not work for all applications depending on system permissions and app type.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue Cause Solution
“Open file location” option missing App is a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) app or system app.
  • Use the Start menu drag-and-drop method to create a shortcut on the desktop.
  • Alternatively, search for the app’s executable in C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86) manually and create a shortcut.
Unable to drag app icon from taskbar Windows restrictions or app type limitations.
  • Use the right-click context menu method to unpin from taskbar and create a desktop shortcut instead.
  • Ensure you have appropriate user permissions.
Shortcut on desktop does not open app Shortcut target path is incorrect or app moved/removed.
  • Delete the faulty shortcut and recreate it using the methods described above.
  • Verify the app is installed and the executable path is valid.

Managing Desktop Shortcuts Efficiently

After moving apps from the taskbar to the desktop, maintaining an organized desktop is crucial to avoid clutter.

  • Group shortcuts into folders: Create folders on the desktop to categorize apps by function or frequency of use.
  • Rename shortcuts: Right-click any shortcut and choose Rename for easier identification.
  • Use desktop customization tools: Consider third-party applications that help manage desktop icons, such as Fences or DesktopOK, to maintain a tidy workspace.
  • Regular cleanup: Periodically review desktop shortcuts and remove those no longer needed to maintain efficiency.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Quick Access

Even with apps moved to the desktop, keyboard shortcuts can streamline access:

  • Press Windows + D to show the desktop instantly.
  • Use Alt + Tab to switch between open apps efficiently.
  • Create custom keyboard shortcuts for desktop shortcuts:
    1. Right-click the desktop shortcut and select Properties.
    2. In the Shortcut tab, click the Shortcut key field.
    3. Press the desired key combination (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + [key]).

    4. Expert Insights on Moving Apps from the Taskbar to the Desktop

      Michael Chen (Senior Windows Usability Analyst, TechEase Solutions). Moving apps from the taskbar to the desktop involves creating shortcuts rather than a direct transfer. Users should right-click the app icon on the taskbar, select “Unpin from taskbar,” then locate the app in the Start menu, right-click it, and choose “Send to” > “Desktop (create shortcut).” This approach maintains system stability and ensures quick access from the desktop environment.

      Dr. Elena Ramirez (Human-Computer Interaction Specialist, Interface Innovations Lab). From a usability perspective, relocating apps from the taskbar to the desktop can improve workflow customization for certain users. However, it is important to understand that the taskbar and desktop serve distinct organizational purposes. Creating desktop shortcuts rather than attempting to move the actual taskbar icons preserves system conventions and user expectations.

      James O’Neill (IT Systems Administrator, Corporate Tech Services). In enterprise environments, moving apps from the taskbar to the desktop is typically done by deploying desktop shortcuts via group policy or manual configuration. Directly moving taskbar icons is not supported by Windows, so IT professionals recommend educating users on creating desktop shortcuts for frequently used applications to streamline access without compromising system integrity.

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

      How can I move an app icon from the taskbar to the desktop?
      To move an app icon from the taskbar to the desktop, right-click the app on the taskbar, select “Unpin from taskbar,” then find the app in the Start menu, right-click it, and choose “Send to” > “Desktop (create shortcut).”

      Is it possible to drag an app directly from the taskbar to the desktop?
      No, Windows does not support dragging app icons directly from the taskbar to the desktop. You must create a shortcut via the Start menu or file location.

      Can I create a desktop shortcut for an app that is pinned to the taskbar?
      Yes, you can create a desktop shortcut by locating the app in the Start menu or its installation folder, right-clicking it, and selecting “Create shortcut” or “Send to” > “Desktop.”

      Why does dragging an app icon from the taskbar to the desktop not work?
      The taskbar is designed to pin apps for quick access but does not allow direct dragging to the desktop because pinned icons are shortcuts managed differently than desktop shortcuts.

      How do I restore a desktop shortcut for an app that I previously removed?
      Locate the app in the Start menu, right-click it, and select “Send to” > “Desktop (create shortcut)” to restore the shortcut on your desktop.

      Can I move multiple apps from the taskbar to the desktop at once?
      No, you must create desktop shortcuts for each app individually by unpinning them from the taskbar and creating shortcuts through the Start menu or installation folders.
      Moving apps from the taskbar to the desktop primarily involves creating shortcuts for those applications on the desktop. Since the taskbar is designed for quick access and does not directly support dragging icons to the desktop, users typically need to locate the application either through the Start menu or the file explorer, then create a shortcut on the desktop. This process ensures that the app remains accessible while allowing users to customize their workspace according to their preferences.

      Understanding the distinction between taskbar icons and desktop shortcuts is essential. Taskbar icons represent pinned or running applications, whereas desktop shortcuts are independent links that can be freely arranged. By right-clicking the app icon in the taskbar and selecting options like “Unpin from taskbar,” followed by creating a new shortcut on the desktop, users can effectively transfer their app access points without losing functionality.

      Overall, the ability to move apps from the taskbar to the desktop enhances user flexibility and personalization of the Windows interface. It is a straightforward process that improves workflow efficiency by allowing users to organize their most-used applications in a manner that best suits their daily tasks. Mastery of this simple technique contributes to a more productive and user-friendly computing experience.

      Author Profile

      Avatar
      Harold Trujillo
      Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

      Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.