How to add apps to the home screen on Windows and Mac laptops

The home screen is where you can quickly access frequently used applications and tools on your laptop. Adding applications to the home screen not only saves search time but also creates a more convenient and organized workspace. If you don't know how to add your favorite applications to the Desktop or pin them to the Start screen, check out the simple instructions below.

Key points

• Adding apps to your laptop's home screen allows you to quickly open frequently used apps without having to search through the Start Menu or Finder.
• On Windows 10/11, users can create shortcuts using the Start Menu, Desktop, or the AppsFolder command.
• On a MacBook, you can drag applications from the Applications folder to the home screen for quicker access.
• Deleting a shortcut from the Desktop does not delete the original application; it only removes the shortcut icon from the screen.

1. What does it mean to add apps to a laptop's home screen?

Adding applications to the laptop's home screen usually involves creating application shortcuts on the desktop for quick access, instead of having to search through the program list. This is not moving the original application to another location.

In practice, apps like Chrome, Word, Zoom, or Photoshop are often opened multiple times a day. Placing shortcuts on the Desktop makes them faster and easier to access, especially for new users.

• Desktop: The main screen area, suitable for when you need to see icons visually.

• Taskbar: The application bar at the bottom of the screen, suitable for frequently opened apps.

• Start Menu: A list of Windows applications, suitable when you don't want many icons on the desktop.

It's important to note that deleting a shortcut doesn't delete the original app. You're only removing the shortcut icon.

Images 1 of How to add apps to the home screen on Windows and Mac laptops

Distinguishing between Desktop, Taskbar, and Start Menu on Windows

2. How to add apps to the home screen on Windows 10/11

2.1. Method 1: Drag and drop directly from the Start Menu

• Step 1: Open the Start Menu using the Windows key, then find the application you want to add to the Desktop. On Windows 11, you can go to All apps to see all your applications.

Images 2 of How to add apps to the home screen on Windows and Mac laptops

Open the Start Menu using the Windows key.

• Step 2: Press and hold the mouse button on the application icon. Drag the application to the Desktop area . Release the mouse button at the desired location for the icon.

Images 3 of How to add apps to the home screen on Windows and Mac laptops

Drag the application to the Desktop area.

2.2. Method 2: Creating a shortcut from the Desktop

• Step 1: Right-click on an empty area of ​​the Desktop . Select New , then select Shortcut .

Images 4 of How to add apps to the home screen on Windows and Mac laptops

Select New, then select Shortcut.

• Step 2: In the new window, click Browse to find the application's .exe file.

Images 5 of How to add apps to the home screen on Windows and Mac laptops

In the new window, click Browse

• Step 3: Select the correct file, click Next , name the shortcut, and then click Finish .

Images 6 of How to add apps to the home screen on Windows and Mac laptops

Name the shortcut and then click Finish.

2.3. Method 3. Use AppsFolder or CMD when it's difficult to find application files.

• Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box . Type explorer shell:AppsFolder and press Enter .

Images 7 of How to add apps to the home screen on Windows and Mac laptops

Type explorer shell:AppsFolder and press Enter.

• Step 2: Find and right-click on the application you want to add to the home screen, then select Create shortcut .

Images 8 of How to add apps to the home screen on Windows and Mac laptops

Right-click on the application and select Create shortcut.

• Step 3: Select Yes to confirm creating the shortcut on the home screen.

Images 9 of How to add apps to the home screen on Windows and Mac laptops

Select Yes to confirm creating the shortcut.

3. How to add apps to the home screen on a MacBook

• Step 1: Click Go in the upper corner of the screen, then select Applications from the list of options. You can also access the list of applications from Finder .

Images 10 of How to add apps to the home screen on Windows and Mac laptops

Select Applications from the list of options.

• Step 2: Find the app you want to add to your home screen.

Images 11 of How to add apps to the home screen on Windows and Mac laptops

Find the app you want to add to your home screen.

• Step 3: Press and hold the left mouse button on the application icon and drag and drop it onto the home screen.

Images 12 of How to add apps to the home screen on Windows and Mac laptops

Press and hold the left mouse button on the application icon and drag and drop it onto the screen. 

4. Some related questions

4.1. Will deleting shortcuts from the home screen cause the application to be deleted?

No. Deleting a shortcut from the Desktop only removes the shortcut icon. The original application remains on the computer and can still be opened from the Start Menu, Search, or the settings folder.

4.2. How do I move the position of an application on the home screen?

To move an application's position on the home screen (both Windows and MacBook), simply press and hold the left mouse button on the application icon, drag it to the desired location, and then release the mouse button.

4.3. Should applications be placed on the Desktop or pinned to the Taskbar?

If you need to see icons clearly, use the Desktop . If you open apps many times a day, the Taskbar will be more convenient. Many users combine both to balance opening speed and screen space.

Adding apps to your home screen is a simple way to optimize your laptop experience, allowing you to quickly open frequently used programs and websites without wasting time searching. Hopefully, the instructions in this article will help you easily implement this and organize your workspace more conveniently. See more tips for Windows, MacBook, and laptops at TipsMake.com on the website or contact our hotline for further assistance.