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How to Find and Pin Microsoft 365 Apps to the Windows Taskbar
Question details
The user needs to locate installed Microsoft 365 desktop applications and pin their shortcuts to the Windows taskbar or Start menu.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- After successfully installing Microsoft 365 Business Standard, the application shortcuts are missing from the desktop, taskbar, and Start menu.
- Observed behavior
- The Microsoft 365 desktop applications (like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) do not automatically appear in the Windows taskbar or Start menu search results after installation.
Ensure that your Microsoft 365 Business Standard installation has completely finished and that your computer has been restarted at least once before attempting to locate the shortcuts.
Use Windows Search to Pin Applications
This is the quickest method to find installed Office apps and pin them to your taskbar or Start menu.
Windows indexing usually detects installed applications instantly. You can manually search for each Office app and pin it to your preferred location.
Click the Start menu button on your Windows desktop or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Type the name of the Office application you want to find, such as 'Word', 'Excel', or 'PowerPoint'.
Right-click the application icon in the search results and select 'Pin to taskbar' or 'Pin to Start'. Repeat this process for all other Office applications you frequently use.
Locate Shortcuts Manually in File Explorer
Use this method if the applications do not appear in the Windows search results.
Try WPS Office: A Free and Hassle-Free Alternative
If you are frustrated with missing Microsoft 365 application shortcuts or complex installation processes, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides an intuitive, all-in-one workspace that automatically places an easy-to-find shortcut right on your desktop.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Run the setup: Execute the downloaded file to install WPS Office. The software will automatically place a unified shortcut on your desktop.
- 3. Open and edit: Launch WPS Office from your desktop or taskbar to instantly create or edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint compatible files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't Microsoft 365 put shortcuts on my desktop after installation?
By default, Microsoft 365 Business Standard and other newer Office installers do not automatically clutter your desktop with individual app shortcuts. They add the apps to the Start menu, requiring you to manually pin the ones you want to your taskbar or desktop.
Can I pin all Microsoft 365 applications to the taskbar at once?
No, Windows requires you to pin each application individually. You must search for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook separately, right-clicking each one to select the 'Pin to taskbar' option.
What should I do if the apps are completely missing from the ProgramData folder?
If the shortcuts are missing from C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs and cannot be found in search, the Microsoft 365 installation may have failed or corrupted. You should open Control Panel, go to 'Programs and Features', select Microsoft 365, and choose 'Repair' to fix the installation.
