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How to Pin a Shared Microsoft 365 App to Windows 11 Desktop
Question details
The user wants to know how to pin a shared Microsoft 365 application to the taskbar and create a desktop shortcut on Windows 11 for quicker access.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Setting up quick access shortcuts on the desktop or taskbar for frequently used office applications.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to bypass the Start menu to launch shared Microsoft 365 apps directly from the desktop or taskbar.
Ensure that the Microsoft 365 application is fully installed on your Windows 11 system and can be located within your Start menu.
Pin the Microsoft 365 App to the Taskbar
Pinning the application to your taskbar provides instant, one-click access directly from the bottom edge of your screen.
Click the Start button on your Windows 11 taskbar and select 'All apps' in the upper-right corner of the menu.
Scroll to find the Microsoft 365 application, right-click it, select 'More', and then choose 'Pin to taskbar'.
Alternatively, if the application is already open, right-click its active icon on the taskbar and select 'Pin to taskbar' from the context menu.
Create a Traditional Desktop Shortcut
Creating a shortcut on your desktop allows you to launch the application straight from your Windows home screen.
Use WPS Office for a Simplified Desktop Experience
WPS Office is an all-in-one suite that combines documents, spreadsheets, and presentations into a single application. It automatically configures desktop shortcuts during installation, giving you instant access to your workspace without complicated setups.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and run the installer.
- 2. Use the Auto-Generated Shortcut: Upon completion, WPS Office automatically places a highly visible shortcut directly on your Windows desktop.
- 3. Pin to Taskbar: For even faster access, simply right-click the new WPS Office desktop shortcut and select 'Pin to taskbar'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I create a desktop shortcut for my Microsoft 365 app?
If you installed the Microsoft 365 application via the Microsoft Store, Windows 11 restricts traditional executable shortcuts for these UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps. For these apps, pinning them to the Start menu or taskbar is the standard method.
Can I pin a specific Word or Excel document to the taskbar?
Yes. Once you have pinned the main application (such as Word or Excel) to your taskbar, right-click the pinned icon to view your recent files. Click the pushpin icon next to any specific document in that list to permanently keep it in the jump list.
How do I unpin an application from the Windows 11 taskbar?
To remove an application from your taskbar, simply right-click its icon on the taskbar and select 'Unpin from taskbar' from the pop-up menu.
