How to Fix Chrome Create Shortcut Not Working Issue

Chrome's ability to create desktop shortcuts for websites is an extremely useful feature. You can open sites in dedicated Google Chrome windows, which appear to work like real Windows or MacOS applications. Ideal if you hate playing with tabs.

However, you may encounter specific issues when using the Create a Chrome Shortcut feature. For example, some shortcuts that you create will be launched in normal Chrome windows, supplemented by visible tabs and address bar. Or you can find the option grayed out and unusable.

That said, let's look at several solutions that can help you advance this vital feature in the right direction.

Important: Before continuing, be sure to update Chrome to the latest version. To do this, open the Chrome menu, point to Help, and then click About Google Chrome.

Create shortcuts to websites without address bar

The Create a Chrome Shortcut feature is easy to use. However, you must configure the browser to open the website in its dedicated window (without tabs or address bar) during the creation process. Otherwise, any shortcuts you create will open by default in normal Chrome windows.

After you load a website, open the Chrome menu, point to Tools, and then click Create Shortcut.

In the dialog box that appears, be sure to check the box next to Open As Window.

Important: If the Open As Window option does not appear, you must update Chrome to the latest version and try again. Google removed this option in Chrome version 69, and then added it again in version 72. You must use Chrome v72 or later.

Click the Create button to create the shortcut. You can now open the website in its own dedicated Google Chrome window (without the address bar) every time you double-click it through the desktop.

Point: Use the ellipsis icon (three dots) in the upper right corner of the window to access your extensions, view site settings, and more.

Configure pre-existing shortcuts to disable the address bar and tabs

If you have already created the shortcuts, you do not have to follow this process. The launcher in Chrome should allow you to easily reconfigure the operation of shortcuts.

Start by typing chrome: // apps in the Chrome address bar. You will then see a list of all the shortcuts to websites that you have created with Chrome over time.

Just right-click the shortcut you want to open in a dedicated Chrome window (without tabs or visible address bar), and click Open as Window.

Now go back to your desktop and double-click on the shortcut. And voila! It should open in its dedicated window.

Fixed problem of grayed out option

Sometimes the Create Shortcut option is grayed out. This occurs if you use a private browser window or a guest window in Chrome. To solve the problem, you must use a normal Chrome window.

To switch to normal navigation mode in incognito mode, open the Chrome menu and click New Window. Load the website on which you want to create a shortcut and you should be able to access the Create a shortcut without problem option.

To exit guest mode, click the Guest Profile icon, and then click Exit Guest. Once again, load the website into a normal Chrome window. You will then be able to access the Create Shortcut option again.

However, the Create Shortcut option always appears dimmed in new tabs or internal Chrome pages (such as the Settings page). Chrome prevents you from creating shortcuts to these pages.

Fixed website shortcut not on desktop problem

If the shortcut to a website does not show up on your PC or Mac, it is relatively easy to fix the problem. Start by visiting the Chrome Apps Launcher (type chrome: // apps in the address bar). Right-click the shortcut and select Create Shortcuts from the shortcut menu.

Check the box next to Desktop and click Create. You should then find the shortcut on the desktop.

If the shortcut does not appear, you must delete it and create it again. To do this, right-click the shortcut in the Application Launcher, and then click Remove from Chrome.

Then, load the website in a normal Chrome window, and then recreate the shortcut. Check the Open as window box if you want the shortcut to open in a dedicated Chrome window.

Bonus Tip – Installing Progressive Web Applications

Starting with Chrome version 70, the browser now allows you to install certain websites as progressive web applications. Also known as PWA, these "apps" work the same way as regular web site shortcuts, but have enhanced features such as faster notification support and faster loading times.

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

By default, the PWA setup configures the shortcuts to launch in their dedicated windows, which allows you to bypass the extra step of checking the Open As Window check box when using the 39; Create a shortcut option.

However, remember that this option will not be visible on most websites. If this is the case, you must use the Create Shortcut option.

Point: As with ordinary shortcuts, you can also use Chrome's Launcher to manage progressive web applications.

Choose your shortcut

Shortcuts to websites are incredibly convenient. By having them work in their dedicated window, you can focus on the task at hand and improve your productivity. However, look for the PWA versions of the sites. Their installation is not only much more convenient, but it is also a pleasure to work with them.

Then: Are these shortcuts operational again as you wish? The next article presents seven more Chrome tips for improving productivity.