Guide: Fix ‘Chrome Create Shortcut Not Working’ Issue
Google Chrome’s ability to create desktop shortcuts for websites is an incredibly useful feature to access sites in unique Chrome windows, and they also give the impression that they function like real Windows or macOS apps. Ideal if you hate messing around with tabs. However, you may encounter specific issues when using Chrome’s Create Shortcut feature. For example, certain shortcuts you create will launch in normal Chrome windows, with tabs and the address bar visible. Or you may find the option greyed out and unusable. That said, let’s take a look at several solutions that can help you get this vital feature roll in the right direction. Important: Make sure to update Chrome to the latest version before proceeding. To do this, open the Chrome menu, point to Help, and click About Google Chrome.
Create shortcuts to websites without an address bar
Chrome’s Create Shortcut feature is easy to use. However, you must configure the browser to open the website in the appropriate window (without tabs and the address bar) during the creation process. Otherwise, any shortcut you create will open in normal Chrome windows by default. After loading a website, open the Chrome menu, point to Tools, and click Create Shortcut.
On the pop-up box that shows up, make sure to check the box next to Open as window. Important: If you don’t see the Open as a window option, update Chrome to the latest version and then try again. Google removed this option in Chrome version 69 and then added it again in version 72. Therefore, you must use Chrome v72 or higher.
Click on the Create button to create the shortcut. You can now open the website in its own dedicated Chrome window (without the address bar) when you double-click it from the desktop.
Tip Use the ellipsis icon (with three dots) in the top right corner of the window to access your extensions, view site settings, and more.
Configure existing shortcuts to disable the address bar and tabs
If you’ve already created the shortcuts, you don’t need to go through this process. The app launcher in Chrome allows you to reconfigure how the shortcuts work quite easily. Start by typing chrome: // apps in Chrome’s address bar. You will then see a list of all the website shortcuts that you have created with Chrome over time.
Right-click on the shortcut you want to open in a special Chrome window (without visible tabs and address bar), then click Open as window.
Now go back to your desktop and double click on the shortcut. And voila! It should open in the window provided.
Fix Create shortcut option issue grayed out
Sometimes you will see the Create Shortcut option greyed out. That happens if you use an incognito window or a guest window in Chrome. To fix the problem, you need to use a normal Chrome window. To switch to normal browsing mode in Incognito mode, open the Chrome menu and click New Window. Load the website you want to create a shortcut to and you should be able to access the Create Shortcut option without any problems.
To exit guest mode, click the guest profile icon and then click Exit guest. Reload the website in a normal Chrome window and you will then be able to access the Create Shortcut option again.
However, the Create Shortcut option is still grayed out on new tabs or on Chrome internal pages (such as the Settings page). Chrome limits you by the design of creating shortcuts to these pages.
Fix Website shortcut not showing on desktop problem
If the shortcut to a website is not displayed up on your PC or Mac it is relatively easy to fix the problem. Start by visiting the Chrome app launcher (type chrome: // apps in the address bar). Right-click on the shortcut and then select Create Shortcuts from the context menu.
Select the check box next to Desktop and click Create. You should then find the desktop shortcut again.
If the shortcut does not appear, delete the shortcut and recreate it. To do this, right-click on the shortcut in the Apps Launcher and then click Delete from Chrome. After that, load the website in a normal Chrome window and then recreate the shortcut – make sure to check the Open as window option if you want the shortcut to open in a special Chrome window.
Bonus Tip – Install Progressive Web Apps
Starting with Chrome version 70, the browser now allows you to install certain websites as progressive web apps. Also known as PWAs, these ‘apps’ work in the same way as regular website shortcuts, but feature enhanced functionality such as support for notifications and faster loading times. After loading a website, check for a ‘+’ shaped icon in the right corner of the address bar. If you see one, click on it and then click Install.
By default, ‘installing’ PWAs will configure the shortcuts to launch in their dedicated windows, allowing you to skip the extra step of checking the Open as window box when using the Create Shortcut option. However, keep in mind that you won’t see this option on most websites – if so, you should use the Create Shortcut option instead. Tip As with regular shortcuts, you can also use Chrome’s app launcher to manage progressive web apps.
Choose your shortcut
Website shortcuts are incredibly useful. Getting them to work in their dedicated window allows you to focus on the task at hand and improve productivity. However, be aware of the PWA versions of sites. Not only are they much more convenient to install, but they are also fantastic to work with. The next up I have those shortcuts up and run again the way you want? The following post shares seven other Chrome tricks to increase productivity.
Fix ‘Chrome Create Shortcut Not Working’ Issue: benefits
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