Having LinkedIn directly on your desktop can make it quicker and easier to access the professional social networking platform. There are a few different ways to put a LinkedIn shortcut on your desktop depending on what type of device you are using.
Adding a LinkedIn Shortcut to Your Windows Desktop
If you are using a Windows PC, you can add a LinkedIn shortcut to your desktop in just a few easy steps:
- Open your internet browser and go to LinkedIn.com. Make sure you are logged into your account.
- In your browser’s address bar at the top, copy the full LinkedIn URL. It should start with something like “https://www.linkedin.com”.
- Minimize your browser window to view your Windows desktop. Right-click on an empty space on the desktop and select “New” then “Shortcut”.
- In the window that pops up, paste the LinkedIn URL into the text field labeled “Type the location of the item”. Then click “Next”.
- In the next window, type a name for the shortcut like “LinkedIn”. Then click “Finish”.
A new shortcut icon titled “LinkedIn” should now be visible on your Windows desktop. You can double click it anytime to quickly launch LinkedIn in your default browser.
Adding a LinkedIn Web Clip to Your Mac Desktop
On a Mac computer, you can add a web clip to your desktop for quick access to LinkedIn:
- Open Safari or your preferred browser and go to LinkedIn.com. Log in to your account.
- Click on the Share icon in your browser toolbar. It looks like a square with an arrow pointing upward.
- In the menu that pops up, choose “Add to Desktop”. A dialog will appear.
- You can edit the name for the web clip if desired. Then click “Add”.
This will create a special icon on your Mac desktop that opens LinkedIn. The icon will match the LinkedIn logo and colors.
Pinning LinkedIn to Your Taskbar in Windows
Another option in Windows is to pin LinkedIn to your taskbar for one-click access:
- Open LinkedIn in your internet browser and log in.
- Click and hold the LinkedIn icon in the address bar. Drag it down to your taskbar.
- A four-sided icon outline will appear on the taskbar – drop the LinkedIn icon on it.
Now LinkedIn will be pinned to your Windows taskbar. Just click the icon anytime to open it.
Adding a LinkedIn Bookmark to Your Browser
You can also bookmark LinkedIn in your browser for quick access from the bookmarks bar:
- Go to LinkedIn.com and log in.
- Click the star icon in the browser’s address bar to add a bookmark.
- Right-click the new bookmark and choose “Edit” or “Edit URL”.
- Change the name to “LinkedIn” or something short.
- Drag the bookmark up to the Bookmarks Bar so it’s visible.
Now the LinkedIn bookmark will appear in your browser’s bookmarks bar for one-click access.
Adding the LinkedIn Mobile App Icon to Your Home Screen
On your smartphone, you can add the LinkedIn app icon directly to your home screen for easy access:
- Open the app store on your iPhone or Android phone.
- Download and install the free LinkedIn mobile app.
- Open the LinkedIn app and log in to your account.
- Find the Options menu (represented by “…”) and look for an “Add to Home Screen” option.
- Tap this option. The LinkedIn icon will be added to your home screen.
Now you can open the LinkedIn app instantly from your home screen by tapping the icon.
Using a Browser Extension or Add-on
Some browser extensions can give you quick desktop access to LinkedIn as well:
- Linkclump – This Chrome and Firefox extension lets you “clump” multiple open tabs into one tab icon for easy access.
- Tiles – A Chrome extension that lets you pin webpage tabs as icons on your browser’s New Tab page.
- IE Tab – Add IE Tab to Chrome or Firefox to pin sites as tabs on a customizable tab bar.
After installing one of these extensions, pin or “clump” the LinkedIn tab for quick access from your browser.
Accessing LinkedIn’s Desktop Site from Mobile
If you want the full desktop view of LinkedIn on your phone or tablet, most mobile browsers give you a way to switch to the desktop site:
- Chrome for Android – Tap the Menu icon > Desktop site.
- Safari for iOS – Tap the “aA” button > Request Desktop Site.
- Samsung Internet – Tap the Menu > Desktop mode.
This will let you bookmark LinkedIn’s desktop site to your Android or iOS home screen for quick access.
Using a Desktop App
Some third-party apps can provide LinkedIn access and notifications right on your desktop:
| App | Platform | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Franz | Mac, Windows, Linux | Multi-protocol messaging app including LinkedIn access. |
| Rambox | Mac, Windows, Linux | Chat and email app that includes LinkedIn. |
| NeutriNote | Windows | Desktop notes app with LinkedIn integration. |
These apps provide a LinkedIn tab or shortcut right on your desktop for quick access.
Conclusion
Having direct desktop access to LinkedIn can save you time and clicks. The easiest options are to add a shortcut, web clip, or pinned tab on your desktop, taskbar, or bookmarks bar. Browser extensions can also provide quick LinkedIn access. On mobile, add the LinkedIn app to your home screen. Or request the desktop site to add a bookmark. With any of these options, you can get to LinkedIn with a single click or tap.
