How to Install Websites as Desktop Apps on Windows
A native desktop is preferable to visiting a web page frequently. However, not all web apps are available as standalone desktop apps. If you use a web service frequently, you can turn the websites into desktop apps on Windows.
By default, Microsoft Edge features a built-in feature to install websites as apps on Windows. You can do something similar on Chrome as well. In addition, there are third-party tools to convert a website into a desktop app.
Why Use a Web App as a Desktop App?
Desktop apps are easier and faster to access than web apps that require you to use a web browser. you may also add these apps to the Start menu and taskbar for quicker access.
These apps are also often free of all the clutter that web browsers bring, including bookmarks, menus, and more. Then there is a full-screen benefit that allows you to use all the real estate for a distraction-free experience.
1. Install a Website as an App Using Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge has a handy feature to turn a website into an app. This is by far the easiest way to install a website as an app on Windows.
To install a website and app using Microsoft Edge:
Once installed, the app will auto-start with a few options to customize. The app will now run safely in its own window. it’s possible to launch it from the Start menu, Windows taskbar, or your desktop.
In theAllow this app tosection, select all the options you want to activate. For example, you may pin or unpin the app to the taskbar, Start, add it as a desktop shortcut, and enable auto-start on device login. Select all the options you want and clickAllow.
you’re able to open the installed apps from the Start menu. Use the three-dots menu in the app’s top right corner to access print, zoom, casting, and share options.
Uninstall An App in Microsoft Edge
Go toedge://appsusing your web browser to manage all the installed apps and permissions. Click thethree-dots menuand selectUninstallto remove the app. You can alsoremove the app from the settings pageby going toSettings > Apps > Installed Apps.
2. Install Websites as App Using Google Chrome
Google Chrome features a Create a shortcut feature. It works similarly to Edge’s Install this site as an app and lets you run apps in their own window. This is an OS-independent feature, as you can alsorun web apps on macOS using the Chrome shortcuts.
To add a shortcut to a website as an app in Chrome:
Your new app will automatically start in a new window. you may launch the app from the Start menu, taskbar, and Windows search. Furthermore, open the three-dots menu within the app to access essential features such as zoom, print, and more.
How to Assign an Icon to a Website App
Both Chrome and Edge can fetch and assign an appropriate icon based on the website logo to the app. However, if the app icon is missing or you want to change it, you can do it from its properties.
To change the app icon:
3. Turn Websites Into Desktop Apps With WebCatalog
WebCataglog is a platform for desktop web apps. It comes with a library of web apps that you can install with a click. You can also create custom apps using the website URL.
WebCatalog uses the Photon rendering engine based on the Chromium framework to run the apps. You can also organize your work and play apps into separate spaces and easily switch between multiple accounts for web services.
To install a website as an app using WebCatalog:
In addition, you can customize the app theme, pin the window to the system tray and enable always on top to keep the app window on other apps.
Conversely, WebCatalog takes more space than an Edge or Chrome app. Also, the free version lets you use ten apps with two sessions per app.
Download:WebCatalog(Free, Premium $5 per month)
4. Convert Websites to Windows Apps Using Web2Desk
Web2Desk lets you convert your favorite website to desktop apps. You can use it to create native app packages for desktop platforms, including OSX, Windows, and Linux.
To create a desktop app using Web2Desk:
Apps Created using the service feature a Web2Desk splash screen. you’re able to remove it for a premium of $45.
Install Websites as Desktop Apps on Windows
Microsoft Edge and Chrome make it easy to install websites as desktop apps on Windows. You can also add them to Start, taskbar, or create a shortcut for quicker access.
That said, if you need to work with several web apps with multiple accounts and sessions, WebCatalog is a good choice. you’re able to choose from the app’s library or create your custom app and organize them into different spaces.
My foolproof plan is to use Windows 10 until 2030, with the latest security updates.
Not Linux, not Windows. Something better.
Love fades, even for the best open-source darling.
Lose your laptop without this feature, and you’ll wish you had turned it on.
Freeing up vital memory on Windows only takes a moment, and your computer will feel much faster once you’re done.
Windows is great, but adding this makes it unstoppable.
