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. FreonPSandoz 5 Reputation points
    2025-11-01T03:58:07.26+00:00

    I found that apps in the start menu are generally shortcuts in the folder tree %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs. Open the file location as Airbus A350 instructs. If a shortcut is displayed for the app, you can right-button-drag it to the desktop and select "Copy Here" from the context menu.

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