November 22, 2025

How To Add Website To Desktop

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of Australian business, a desktop shortcut to your most important web pages can dramatically boost productivity. Whether you’re managing Google Workspace, accessing Microsoft Office and Office web apps, checking your WordPress dashboard, or navigating favourite operational tools, creating quick-access website shortcuts helps streamline your digital workflow. Using a web browser like Google Chrome, MS Edge, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari, you can convert any website URL into a desktop-friendly icon with just a few clicks of your mouse button. These shortcuts eliminate unnecessary navigation steps and ensure your team stays efficient—especially when working across Windows 10, Windows 11, or macOS.

What Is a Desktop Shortcut to a Website?

A desktop shortcut is a clickable icon placed directly on your desktop that opens a web page instantly. Once created, it behaves like a lightweight web app, launching with one click from your desktop, Start menu, or taskbar. Unlike the Bookmarks menu, which requires opening a browser first, a shortcut provides immediate access.

This differs from old-school Internet Explorer workflows, where shortcuts were often created automatically. Modern browsers offer more control, including drag-and-drop features, customised icon options, and app‑like behaviours. Having the full URL embedded in the shortcut ensures that your browser loads the correct destination every time.

Method 1: Creating a Website Shortcut Using Web Browsers

A. Google Chrome

Creating a website shortcut in Google Chrome is simple:

  1. Open Chrome and access your desired web page.
  2. Click the three-dot menu in the top right.
  3. Select More tools > Create shortcut.
  4. Give your shortcut a default name or customise it.
  5. (Optional) Tick Open as window to create an app-style experience.
  6. Click Create, and a shortcut icon will appear on your desktop.

Chrome uses the padlock icon in the address bar to indicate secure pages, ensuring safe access when using financial tools, HR portals, or client systems. The Chrome Help Center and the Microsoft Support Community (for Windows interaction) offer additional guidance if issues arise.

Feature “Open as window” Regular Shortcut
Appearance Web app-style window Browser tab
Taskbar Icon Standalone Within browser
User Experience Focused, ideal for tab group reduction Standard browsing

B. Microsoft Edge (Edge Browser)

In MS Edge, you can turn a Web site into a Windows-friendly Web app:

  1. Open the Edge browser.
  2. Navigate to the website URL you want to save.
  3. Click the three-dot menu.
  4. Select Apps > Install this site as an app.
  5. Choose a name and confirm.

Edge also displays the lock symbol in the address bar, confirming secure access—important for businesses handling sensitive client information. You can pin the shortcut to your Start menu, desktop, or taskbar.

C. Mozilla Firefox

Firefox offers a straightforward method using drag and drop:

  1. Open Firefox and load your preferred web page.
  2. Resize the window so your desktop is visible.
  3. Drag the padlock icon from the address bar to your desktop.

Although Firefox doesn’t support “Open as window,” it integrates well with Windows’ Send to and File location features.

D. Safari (Mac)

Mac users can easily create website link icons from Safari:

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Visit the site.
  3. Drag the URL from the address bar onto the desktop.

On macOS, you can rename shortcuts using the Get Info window and even create desktop alias files using Make Alias. Apple provides guidance via Apple Support, Apple Books, and the macOS Tips App.

Method 2: Drag and Drop (Universal)

This classic method works in nearly all modern browsers:

  • Open a browser and navigate to the web page.
  • Drag the padlock icon or globe from the address bar onto your desktop.

This quick approach creates a fully functional website shortcut without menus or settings.

Method 3: Manually Creating a Shortcut (Windows)

For maximum customisation on Windows 10 or Windows 11:

  1. Right-click the desktop and choose New > Shortcut.
  2. Enter the full URL of the website.
  3. Choose a name.
  4. Finish creating the shortcut.

Pros: Full control over File location, icons, browser behaviour.
Cons: Slightly more steps.

You can later adjust properties, specify browser type, or move the shortcut into a Library window or folder.

Adding a Website to Desktop on Mobile Devices

On mobile devices, adding a shortcut is equivalent to adding a Home Screen link.

Android (Chrome)

  • Open Chrome.
  • Tap three dots.
  • Select Add to Home Screen.

iOS (Safari)

  • Open Safari.
  • Tap the Share icon.
  • Select Add to Home Screen from the Share Sheet.

Customising Your Shortcut

Enhance usability with simple updates:

  • Change the shortcut icon: Windows → Right-click > Properties > Change Icon.
  • Rename the shortcut using right-click > Rename.
  • Specify browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox): adjust via Properties.
  • Move or delete using the recycle bin.
  • macOS: Use the Get Info window or Create Make Alias versions.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why does my shortcut open in the wrong browser?
Update your system’s default browser settings via Windows or macOS.

Why does the shortcut redirect to a login page only?
Websites requiring an Internet connection or authentication may not store session data.

Can I use custom icons?
Yes—many online icon packs work for Chrome, Edge and macOS.

How do I remove the shortcut?
Drag it into the recycle bin.

Is this the same as creating desktop shortcut apps?
Not exactly—web shortcuts mimic apps but don’t require installation.

Desktop Shortcut Methods by Browser and OS

Browser/OS Menu Shortcut Drag & Drop Manual Shortcut “Open as Window”
Chrome (Win/Mac) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Edge (Win) Yes Yes Yes Yes (Web app)
Firefox (Win/Mac) No Yes Yes No
Safari (Mac) No Yes Yes No

Conclusion

Creating a desktop shortcut is a powerful but simple way to streamline digital work across Australian businesses. Whether accessing WordPress, business systems, Google Workspace, Office web apps, or internal portals, shortcuts help your team save time and avoid repetitive navigation. These tools also support public digital literacy—echoing the goals of public education and modern workplace efficiency.

Call to Action

Need help improving technology efficiency across your organisation? Enabla Technology provides expert IT support, managed services, cybersecurity and workflow optimisation for Australian businesses. Reach out to our community team today and let us streamline your digital environment.

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