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How to Restore Office 2021 Desktop Icons on Windows 11
Question details
The user needs to recreate Microsoft Office 2021 desktop shortcuts on Windows 11 because existing shortcuts display outdated Office 2016 names and icons, or have been completely deleted.
- Product
- Microsoft Office Professional 2021
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Upgrading to Office 2021 or accidentally deleting application shortcuts.
- Observed behavior
- Desktop shortcuts show Office 2016 branding despite opening Office 2021, prompting the user to delete them and seek an easy way to create correct shortcuts.
Ensure that Microsoft Office 2021 is fully installed on your Windows 11 system and delete any outdated Office 2016 shortcuts currently on your desktop.
Recreate Desktop Shortcuts via the Start Menu
This is the most reliable method to create authentic Office 2021 desktop shortcuts by locating the original executable files through the Windows 11 Start menu.
When you upgrade from an older version of Office, Windows may retain the old shortcut icons. Recreating them directly from the source files ensures the correct 2021 branding is applied.
Click the Windows Start button on your taskbar and type the name of the Office application you want to add, such as 'Word' or 'Excel'.
Right-click the application in the search results and select 'Open file location' from the context menu.
In the File Explorer window that opens, right-click the application shortcut. On Windows 11, you may need to click 'Show more options' at the bottom of the context menu.
Hover over 'Send to' and click 'Desktop (create shortcut)'. A new shortcut with the correct Office 2021 icon will appear on your desktop.
Create Shortcuts Directly from Program Files
If the Start menu search does not yield results, you can navigate directly to the Microsoft Office installation folder.
Enjoy a Clutter-Free Desktop with WPS Office
Tired of managing individual shortcuts for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint? WPS Office provides a unified workspace where you can access all your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations from a single, lightweight desktop application. It's completely free and fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and click the download button to get the free installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded executable and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the suite.
- 3. Open the Unified App: Click the single WPS Office desktop shortcut to access Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation all in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my Office 2021 shortcuts still display Office 2016 icons?
This typically occurs when you upgrade from Office 2016 without uninstalling it first. Windows may cache the old icons and names for existing shortcuts. Deleting the old shortcuts and creating new ones from the Office 2021 installation folder resolves this.
Can I pin Office 2021 applications to the Windows 11 taskbar instead of the desktop?
Yes. Simply search for the application in the Start menu, right-click it, and select 'Pin to taskbar'. This provides quick access without taking up desktop space.
How do I fix broken desktop shortcuts after an Office update?
If an update breaks your shortcuts, delete the non-working icons from your desktop. Then, repair your Office installation via the Windows Settings > Apps menu, or manually recreate the shortcuts using the 'Send to Desktop' method from the Start menu.
