Last updated on February 19th, 2024 at 02:01 am
Whenever you want to access a program on your computer quickly, you would click on the program’s shortcut on your Windows desktop.
Usually, a shortcut gets created when you install a program. Sometimes, you’ll be asked whether you want to create a shortcut on your desktop or not.
Even if you don’t create a shortcut during installation, you can do it manually later.
Creating shortcuts doesn’t only apply to software programs installed on your computer.
You can also do it with web applications, particularly the ones you frequently use.
If you spend a lot of time on YouTube, you don’t have to open your browser each time and then type in YouTube.com to access the site.
You can save time and simplify the process by creating a YouTube shortcut on Your Desktop.
Pros and Cons of Creating a YouTube Desktop Shortcut
Before we look at how to create a YouTube link on your desktop, let’s examine the pros and cons of doing so.
Pros
- Quick Access: Having a shortcut readily available allows you to launch YouTube with a single click, saving you time compared to navigating through your browser or searching for the website.
- Convenience: It’s especially useful if you frequently use YouTube throughout the day, as it eliminates the need to open your browser and navigate to the site repeatedly.
- Customization: You can personalize the shortcut name and icon to your liking, making it easily identifiable and visually appealing.
Cons
- Distraction: Easy access to YouTube can be tempting and lead to increased procrastination and wasted time, especially if you struggle with self-control.
- Clutter: Shortcuts can add visual clutter to your desktop, especially if you have many.
- Redundancy: Creating a separate shortcut might be unnecessary if you already have bookmarked YouTube on your web browser.
Summary
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quick Access: Launch YouTube with a single click, saving time and effort. | Distraction: Easy access can lead to increased procrastination and wasted time. |
| Convenience: Especially useful if you use YouTube frequently throughout the day. | Clutter: Shortcuts can add visual clutter to your desktop. |
| Customization: Personalize the name and icon for easy identification. | Limited Functionality: Only launches the website, not the mobile app with features like background playback. |
| Offline Access (limited): Access downloaded YouTube videos directly through the shortcut. | Security Concerns: Malicious websites may disguise themselves as shortcuts, compromising your security. |
| Redundancy: Unnecessary if you already have a readily accessible web browser. |
Additional Notes
- Consider your individual needs and habits when deciding if a shortcut is beneficial.
- If prone to distraction, stick with accessing YouTube through your browser.
- Weigh the convenience of quick access against the potential downsides.
YouTube Shortcut with Your Web Browser
The best way to create a YouTube shortcut on your desktop is through your Internet browser.
Here’s how you do it with different Internet browsers on your Windows computer.
Create a YouTube Shortcut on Your Desktop with Google Chrome
First visit the YouTube page. From there may want to go to your preferred channel if you wish.
Then go to the top right-hand corner of the Chrome browse where you can see the three vertical dots. Hover over it and it will show Customize and control Google Chrome.
- Click on the three dots.
- Select More tools
- Choose Create Shortcut
A small window pops up. You can name your shortcut and click on Create.
You’ll see on your desktop the shortcut to YouTube.
Clicking on the shortcut will open the YouTube page. Now you no longer have to launch your chrome browser and type in the YouTube URL.
Watch the video for step-by-step guidance.
Create a YouTube Shortcut on Your Desktop with Microsoft Edge
If you’re using Microsoft Edge you don’t have to launch the browser to create a YouTube shortcut on your desktop.
Instead, just right-click on some free space on the Windows Desktop.
Click on New and then select Shortcut.
On the item location box type YouTube’s URL and hit Next.
In the following Create Shortcut window, rename Your Shortcut.
Type YouTube or your preferred name and hit Finish.
A YouTube shortcut is created on your Windows desktop.
Clicking on the YouTube shortcut on the desktop screen brings you to the YouTube home page on Microsoft Edge.
Create a YouTube Shortcut on Your Desktop with Mozilla Firefox
Creating a YouTube shortcut on your desktop with Mozilla Firefox is a straightforward process. Much simpler than Chrome and Edge. You can do it within minutes.
Launch the browser and go to the YouTube page you want to create a desktop shortcut for.
In our case, we’ve selected the YouTube News Page.
Next, minimize the Mozilla browser. Then drag the page icon to the Windows desktop.
Now you’ve created a Youtube shortcut on your desktop with the Mozilla browser.
You’ve now seen how we have created YouTube shortcuts on your desktop using three different browsers. All you have to do is set the YouTube page you want the browser to open and you’re good to go.
Now, create a YouTube shortcut on your desktop using this guide.
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