Why can't i drag an icon to the desktop on Windows 11

Derek 90 Reputation points
2025-07-10T11:04:16.05+00:00

Trying to create a shortcut for an app, but unable to drag the icon from the All Apps list to desktop. No other options offered, such as file location, move, or any other sensible methods that MS have used in the past. Grrr!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage
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Airbus A350 8,120 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2025-07-11T23:36:37.1966667+00:00

Hello,

Dell SupportAssist is a UWP (Universal Windows Platform) app (basically a Microsoft Store app). Because of this, the way to add the app to the desktop differs a little bit.

You'll have to push Windows + R to open the run window, type shell:appsfolder and then push enter, and then scroll the list of apps installed on your PC until you find Dell SupportAssist, and then when you find it, right-click it and then select "Create Shortcut". You will see a dialog box that tells you "Windows can't create a shortcut here. Would you like to place it on the desktop instead"? Push yes, and then you should be able to launch SupportAssist from the desktop.

Let me know how this goes.

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  1. Airbus A350 8,120 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-07-10T11:44:47.0566667+00:00

    Hello,

    That feature is sadly not included in Windows 11. However, what you can do is right click on the app that you are trying to add in the Start Menu, and then push "Open file location", and then once File Explorer opens, push Ctrl + Shift + C (which will copy the shortcut to the app), and then go to your desktop, right-click and go to New > Shortcut, and then Ctrl + V the path to the shortcut, then push Next, and then name the shortcut as you need.

    Hope this helps.

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  2. Airbus A350 8,120 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-07-12T16:03:42.1533333+00:00

    No problem :)

    Glad to know that helped.

    Have a nice day!

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  3. Derek 90 Reputation points
    2025-07-12T08:14:21.23+00:00

    Airbus A350

    Thanks for the assistance. The suggestion works a treat.

    Thanks again

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  4. Derek 90 Reputation points
    2025-07-11T05:48:11.95+00:00

    Thank you for your reply.

    It's Dell SupportAssist. I can find it in the apps list, but can do nothing with it after that. Searching in the Program Files shows a variety of exe files that do not seem to clearly identify the main program

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