How to Create This PC Desktop Shortcuts in Windows 11?

Why Do Most Windows 11 Users Struggle to Add This PC Icons to Their Desktop?

I know how tedious it gets when you need to access your computer drives constantly. You click through folders. You wait for File Explorer to load. You waste precious seconds every single time.

Let me share something that changed how I work with Windows 11. Creating a “This PC” shortcut on your desktop saves you from this daily headache. It’s simple. It’s fast. And it works every time.

I’ve helped hundreds of users set up their Windows 11 systems. The ones who create desktop shortcuts work faster. They feel less stressed. They get more done.

Method 1: The Drag-and-Drop Approach

This method takes 10 seconds. Here’s what you do:

1. Click any folder or press Windows + E to open File Explorer
2. Find This PC – Look at the left side panel
3. Drag it to desktop – Click and hold “This PC” then drag it to your desktop
4. Release – Let go of your mouse button

Done. You now have a This PC icon on your desktop.

Method 2: Using Windows Search Function

Sometimes the drag method doesn’t work. Don’t worry. Try this instead:

1. Click the Windows button to open the Start Menu
2. Type “This PC” – You’ll see it appear in search results
3. Right-click the result – Choose “Open file location“
4. Copy the shortcut – Right-click the This PC icon and select “Copy“
5. Paste on desktop – Right-click your desktop and choose “Paste”

Alternative quick method:

1. Right-click the This PC shortcut
2. Select “Show more options“
3. Click “Send to“
4. Choose “Desktop (create shortcut)“

Method 3: Through Windows Settings

This method works when others fail. I use it for stubborn systems:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to Personalization – Click it from the left menu
3. Select Themes – Find it in the main area
4. Click Desktop icon settings – Look under “Related settings“
5. Check Computer box – This represents “This PC“
6. Click Apply – Your shortcut appears instantly

Method 4: Create Custom Shortcut

Want complete control? Make your own shortcut:

1. Right-click desktop – Find an empty space
2. Select New – Then click “Shortcut“
3. Enter this path: %windir%\explorer.exe shell:MyComputerFolder
4. Click Next – Move to the naming step
5. Type “This PC” – Or whatever name you prefer
6. Click Finish – Your custom shortcut is ready

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

Problem: Drag-and-drop creates a copy instead of shortcut

Fix: Hold Ctrl+Shift while dragging

Problem: This PC doesn’t appear in search

Fix: Use Method 3 through Settings instead

Problem: Desktop icon disappears after restart

Fix: Check if desktop icons are hidden (right-click desktop > View > Show desktop icons)

Time-Saving Tips

Once you have your This PC shortcut, you can:

• Pin it to taskbar for even faster access
• Create multiple shortcuts with different names
• Move it to a desktop folder if you prefer organization

Creating a This PC shortcut takes less than a minute. It saves you hours over time. Choose the method that feels easiest for you. Start with the drag-and-drop approach. If that doesn’t work, try the search method.

Your future self will thank you for this small change. No more clicking through File Explorer menus. No more waiting for navigation panels to load. Just click your desktop shortcut and access all your drives instantly.

Try it right now. Pick one method. Follow the steps. See how much faster your workflow becomes.