Desktop shortcuts for your favourite websites offer a swift and effective method to reach frequently visited pages, eliminating the need to manually enter their URLs each time.
This simple trick can boost productivity, especially when managing multiple profiles, browser components, or switching between tabs using shortcut keys. Let’s dive in.
Step-by-step instructions for adding Chrome shortcuts to your desktop
- Open Google Chrome (or any web browser) and navigate to your favourite pages.
- Click the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner (also known as the top right) of the browser.
- Hover over More Tools, then click Create shortcut.
- In the pop-up window, edit the shortcut name or keep the default name.
- Tick the “Open as Window” checkbox if you want the page to open in a standalone window.
- Click Create.
- A Chrome desktop icon will now appear on your desktop, in your Start menu, or inside the Chrome Apps folder.
For Mac users
- Open Safari or Chrome and navigate to your favourite websites.
- Resize the browser so you can see your Mac desktop.
- Drag the icon next to the address bar directly to the desktop.
- Now you have a web shortcut ready for instant access!
Conclusion
Creating a web shortcut on your desktop enhances efficiency in accessing frequently visited websites. With features like Open as Window, Customise Profile, and Add to Desktop, Chrome provides robust options for productivity-focused users.
Explore more via the Chrome Help Centre if you need deeper customisation or troubleshooting support.
Video tutorial: Adding Chrome shortcuts on your desktop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ3lg5lYY_w
TL;DR (too long; didn’t read)
- Use Google Chrome > More Tools > Create Shortcut to add sites to your desktop
- Tick “Open as Window” for a standalone browser-free experience
- Drag from the address bar on Mac to create a shortcut
- Modify shortcut icon and settings via Right Click > Properties
FAQs – Add desktop shortcuts to your favourite websites
Can I use this on operating systems other than Windows 10?
Yes, you can create desktop shortcuts on Mac, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and even Ubuntu MATE using different methods.
Is this available in other browsers besides Chrome?
You can create shortcuts in Internet Explorer and other browsers, but Google Chrome offers the most integrated experience with options like Open as Window.
Can I launch Chrome in a specific user profile using shortcuts?
Yes. By editing the shortcut’s target in File Explorer, you can launch with a specific user or profile name.
