How to Make Shortcuts to Open with Specific Browser on Windows

Everyone has certain websites they can’t live without, say Guiding Tech, Google, Whatsapp Web. Gmail, etc. While accessing them from favorites or bookmarks isn’t difficult, there is an even simpler way out. Create a desktop shortcut to the Website or, better yet, make shortcuts to open with a specific browser on Windows.

Why? Because once that’s done, you can access the website with one click. Say you want to open Gmail in Chrome, Outlook in Edge, etc. All can be managed; follow this step-by-step guide to know it all.

Create a Desktop Shortcut to a Website to Open With Default Browser

Step 1: Open the browser of your choice and the desired website.

Step 2: Once the website loads, hold and drag the lock icon next to the website address in the address bar.

Step 3: Next, drop it anywhere on the desktop.

You’ll now spot the website’s shortcut on your desktop. Whenever you click the shortcut, it will open in the default browser. Notably, if you change the Window’s default browser, it will also reflect the change.

Create a Shortcut to Open a URL in a Specific Browser

Step 1: Right-click a blank area of the desktop and select New → Shortcut.

Step 2: For the location, type the path to the browser you wish to use, followed by the URL you wish to open. Here’s an example,

• Chrome: C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe https://www.guidingtech.com/
• Edge: “%windir%\explorer.exe” microsoft-edge:https://www.guidingtech.com/
• Firefox: C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe https://www.guidingtech.com/

Step 3: Click Next, enter the website name, and click Finish.

A benefit of using this method is that you can also customize the shortcut icon as well. Here’s how,

Step 1: Right-click the shortcut you’ve created and select Properties.

Step 2: Here, go to the Shortcut tab and select Change Icon.

Step 3: Select the photo.

Force Shortcut to Open in Chrome

Step 1: Launch Chrome and open the website of your choice.

Step 2: Click the three-dot icon from the top-right corner.

Step 3: Select More Tools → Create shortcut.

Step 4: Here, rename the website and check open as window, if you want and then click Create.

Instantly a shortcut to the website will be placed on the desktop. You can click it and access the website anytime. Moreover, you can also drag and drop the shortcut on the Dock for easier access. Or you can use Microsoft Edge to do so.

Pin a Website Shortcut to Windows Dock via Microsoft Edge

Step 1: Launch Edge and open the website.

Step 2: Click the three-dot → More Tools → Pin to taskbar.

Create a Shortcut to a Website and Work Faster

In conclusion, making shortcuts to open a website with a specific browser on Windows allows you to streamline your web browsing experience. Moreover, it gives you one-click access to your favorite websites.

Here’s another tip that might come in handy, instead of creating a shortcut, you can convert the website into an app. In case you’re facing issues with any of the steps or need to have any queries, comment below.