3 Ways to Fix Chrome Create Shortcut Not Working Issue

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer specializing in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Google web apps. Besides Guiding Tech, you can read his work at iPhone Hacks, Online Tech Tips, Help Desk Geek, MakeUseOf, and Switching to Mac.

Ashish, Computer Engineer by profession, has been writing about tech for 16 years, with a primary focus on Windows and Smartphones. He has a keen interest in writing about social media, as it constantly evolves, introducing new features to explore.

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 thethree-dot menu>New windowor press Ctrl + N.

Step 2:Load the website to create a shortcut; you should be able to access theCreate Shortcutoption without issues.

Step 3:To exit the Guest mode, click on theGuest profile iconandExit 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 underMore toolsin the primary menu. However, this was moved recently under a different menu.

Step 1:Click on thethree-dot menuand selectSave and share.

Step 2:ClickCreate shortcutto 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 (typechrome://appsinto the address bar).

Step 2:Right-click theshortcutand selectCreate Shortcutsin the context menu.

Step 3:Check the box next toDesktopand clickCreate. 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 theshortcutwithin the Apps Launcher and clickRemove 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 acomputer icon with down arrowin the right corner of the address bar. If you see one, click it, and then clickInstall.

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.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 08 July, 2024

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*

Name*

Email*

Comment*

Δ

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

More in Internet and Social

Why Is My Chromebook Battery Light Blinking White: 4 Ways to Fix the Issue

How to Create Google Forms on Mobile: A Beginner’s Guide

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.

© 2024 Guiding Tech Media. All Rights Reserved.