How to Add a Website Link to the Start Menu

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Shortcuts can be helpful in all aspects of life. On the computer, you can save precious time by having a shortcut that takes you to the site you visit most often without opening your browser. In Windows, there are several ways to add web site links as shortcuts to your to your Start menu.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Windows 10

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  1. Type the URL address of the web site you want to turn into a shortcut into the text box located at the top of your browser.
  2. A “favicon” is always located to the left of your website's URL address. By default, a website's favicon will be a page. If a website is secure, the website's favicon will be a lock.
    • Once your page has loaded, click and hold the left mouse button on this icon.
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  3. This will create a shortcut with the web page's title as the name.
  4. This will save your shortcut to your computer's clipboard and will allow you to paste a new version of this shortcut wherever you need it.
  5. You will see a long list of icons. These are the programs that are currently on your computer.
    • Press the Windows key and “R” at the same time (Win+R).
    • In the new window, type 'shell:programs'.
    • Hit “Enter”.
    • Select “Paste” from the drop down menu. This will install your new shortcut into the Programs folder.
  7. Open the Start Menu at the bottom of your screen and select All Apps to see your new shortcut.
  8. Dragging and dropping your shortcut to the Start Screen will help it be more visible.
    • Click and hold your shortcut.
    • Drag it over to the tiled screen and place it wherever you'd like.
  9. You'll now be able to see your new shortcut in both the Start Menu and the Start screen.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Windows 7 and 8

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  1. Select a browser that you use often and are familiar with.
  2. In the web page address box, copy the entire selection starting from http:// to the end of the line.
    • Use “Ctrl+C” or right click on the highlighted text and select “Copy” from the menu.
    • Right click the Desktop.
    • In the new menu, hover over “New”.
    • Select “Shortcut” from the second dropdown menu.
  4. Paste the URL you copied from your browser into the text box under “Type the location of the item”.
  5. Give your shortcut an appropriate name so that you can easily find it in the future.
  6. Your Shortcut will now appear on the desktop.
  7. Select “Pin to Start” in the drop down menu.
    • Pin to Start will attach your shortcut to the Start Menu.
  8. You can find your new shortcut in this menu and can now be used as desired.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Windows XP

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  1. From there, open the web page you want and copy the text in the URL box.
    • Right click this box and select “Copy” in the drop down menu or use the shortcut Ctrl+C.
  2. By clicking “Explore”, a window for the Start Menu will open up.
  3. This is where you'll enter the URL you wish to use as a shortcut.
    • Right click in the Explorer window.
    • In the menu that appears, hover over “New”.
    • Select "Shortcut" from the secondary menu.
  4. A dialogue box to create your shortcut will open.
    • Click the text box under 'Type the location of item'.
    • Paste the URL you copied earlier into this box.
    • Press “Next”.
  5. Use an appropriate name that will help you easily identify your shortcut.
  6. This will close the Shortcut dialogue menu and bring you back to your Desktop.
  7. Now when you open the Start Menu, the URL shortcut should be there.
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  • Question
    How do I create a tile for Facebook in Windows 10?
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    Community Answer
    Download the Facebook app in the tile called "Store".
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      Tips

      Tips

      Tips

      1. In Windows 10, you also can type the name of your shortcut in the Start menu's search bar to find it quickly.
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      1. In Windows 10, you also can type the name of your shortcut in the Start menu's search bar to find it quickly.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
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      Tips

      1. In Windows 10, you also can type the name of your shortcut in the Start menu's search bar to find it quickly.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
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      • If you want all users on the Computer to have the link displayed in the Start menu, select "Explore All Users" in the first step after right clicking on the Start menu.
        Thanks
      • In Windows 10, from the Start menu, you can drag and drop your new shortcut into the right tiled column where it's more visible.
        Thanks
      Show More Tips
      • If you want all users on the Computer to have the link displayed in the Start menu, select "Explore All Users" in the first step after right clicking on the Start menu.
        Thanks
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
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