"See that? If you just drag, you move the file. To make a shortcut , hold down while you release the mouse button."
the app icon, then drag it onto an empty space on your desktop. Release the mouse button to create the shortcut. 2. For Files and Folders (File Explorer) how to create desktop shortcut windows 11
It is important to note that Microsoft listened to feedback. In recent updates (specifically the Moment 2 update and onward), drag-and-drop functionality from the Start Menu to the desktop has been partially restored. However, it can still be finicky. It works well for pinned apps but struggles with system folders or "All Apps" list items compared to the fluidity of Windows 10. "See that
You can create a desktop link to any webpage using your browser's address bar or built-in tools. How to Add Website to Desktop on Windows 11 Release the mouse button to create the shortcut
It works, but it lacks the elegance expected of a flagship OS. If you are setting up Windows 11, my advice is to skip the Start Menu shortcuts entirely; use File Explorer to find the app, use the Alt + Drag method, and bypass the new UI constraints entirely.