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How to Create Desktop Shortcuts for Microsoft 365 Word and Excel
Question details
The user needs to create desktop shortcuts for Microsoft 365 applications like Word and Excel, as they do not automatically appear on the desktop after installation.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Setting up quick access to Office applications after a new installation.
- Observed behavior
- Application shortcuts for Word, Excel, and Outlook are not automatically added to the desktop upon completing the Microsoft 365 Family installation.
Ensure that your Microsoft 365 Family subscription is fully installed on your Windows computer and that you have access to the Windows Start menu.
Create Desktop Shortcuts via the Start Menu
Locate the installed Microsoft 365 applications through the Start menu and use the File Explorer to send a shortcut directly to your desktop.
By default, modern Microsoft 365 installations only add application icons to your Start menu. To get them on your desktop, you need to navigate to the underlying program files folder and manually create a shortcut link.
Click the Windows Start button on your taskbar and type the name of the app you want to find, such as 'Word', 'Excel', or 'Outlook'.
Right-click the application icon in the search results and select 'Open file location'. This will open a File Explorer window showing the actual shortcut files.
In the File Explorer window, right-click the application shortcut. If you are using Windows 11, click 'Show more options' first. Then, hover over 'Send to' and click 'Desktop (create shortcut)'.
Pin Office Applications to the Taskbar
Instead of cluttering your desktop, pin the applications to your Windows taskbar for instant, one-click access.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Desktop Experience
If you are looking for an office suite that sets up easily, automatically configures a unified desktop shortcut, and runs efficiently on any computer, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers a familiar interface and comprehensive features without the complicated setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't Microsoft 365 create desktop shortcuts automatically?
To keep the Windows desktop clean and uncluttered, Microsoft 365 installations are designed to only place shortcuts in the Start menu. Users who prefer desktop shortcuts must manually create them.
What if 'Open file location' is missing from my right-click menu?
If you installed Microsoft 365 from the Microsoft Store, the 'Open file location' option might not appear. In this case, you can open the Start menu, search for the app, and simply drag and drop the app icon directly from the Start menu onto your desktop to create a link.
How do I pin an Office app to the Start menu as a tile?
Open the Windows Start menu, search for the specific Office application (like Word or Excel), right-click the result, and select 'Pin to Start'. This adds a quick-access tile to your main Start menu layout.
Will creating a desktop shortcut move the application from its folder?
No. Selecting 'Desktop (create shortcut)' only creates a link on your desktop that points to the original application file. It does not move or modify the actual installation files.
