3 Ways to Fix Chrome Create Shortcut Not Working Issue

Fix 1: Create Shortcut Option Grayed Out Issue

Sometimes, the Create Shortcut option will be grayed out if you use an Incognito or Guest window in Chrome. You must open the website in a standard Chrome window to resolve the issue. The same restriction applies when using Chrome in Guest mode.

Step 1: To switch to normal browsing mode while in Incognito mode, click on the three-dot menu > New window or press Ctrl + N.

Step 2: Load the website to create a shortcut; you should be able to access the Create Shortcut option without issues.

Step 3: To exit the Guest mode, click on the Guest profile icon and Exit Guest. Once again, load the website in a normal Chrome window and reaccess the Create Shortcut option.

Fix 2: Create Shortcut Option Missing From More Tools

Earlier, Chrome had the option under More tools in the primary menu. However, this was moved recently under a different menu.

Step 1: Click on the three-dot menu and select Save and share.

Step 2: Click Create shortcut to make a shortcut of the website.

Fix 3: Website Shortcut Not Showing on Desktop Issue

If the shortcut to a website doesn’t show up on your PC or Mac, here’s how to fix the issue.

Step 1: Visit the Chrome app launcher (type chrome://apps into the address bar).

Step 2: Right-click the shortcut and select Create Shortcuts in the context menu.

Step 3: Check the box next to Desktop and click Create. You should find the shortcut present on the desktop.

Step 4: If the shortcut fails to appear, delete it and create a new one. To do that, right-click the shortcut within the Apps Launcher and click Remove From Chrome.

Bonus Tip: Install as Progressive Web Apps

Starting with Chrome version 70, the browser lets you install certain websites as progressive web apps (PWAs). These apps work similarly to ordinary website shortcuts, but feature bolstered functionality such as notification support and faster load times.

After loading a website, look for a computer icon with down arrow in the right corner of the address bar. If you see one, click it, and then click Install.

By default, installing PWAs will configure the shortcuts to launch in their dedicated windows, which lets you skip the additional step of checking off the Open As Window box when using the Create Shortcut option.

However, remember that this option is unavailable on most websites—if that’s the case, use the Create Shortcut option instead.