The Complete Guide to Turning Any Website into a Native Windows 11 and 10 App: Step-by-Step Tutorial

The modern digital workspace has shifted significantly toward web-based applications. From project management tools like Trello and Asana to communication platforms like Discord and Slack, most of the software we use daily exists primarily in a web browser. However, juggling dozens of tabs can lead to “tab fatigue,” where productivity drops because you cannot find the specific tool you need. By converting a website into a dedicated Windows application, you can isolate your most important tasks into their own windows, pin them to your taskbar, and treat them like traditional desktop software. This transformation not only cleans up your browser interface but also enhances the overall user experience by providing a distraction-free environment.

The process of turning a website into a Windows app has become remarkably simple thanks to the evolution of Chromium-based browsers like Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. These browsers utilize a technology called Progressive Web Apps (PWA) or site-specific browsers to wrap a website in a native-looking shell. This means you do not need to be a software developer or write complex code to create your own desktop tools. Whether you are using Windows 10 or the newer Windows 11, the steps are nearly identical and provide immediate benefits in terms of accessibility and workflow organization.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore every viable method for creating web-based apps on Windows. We will cover the native browser-based installations, third-party software that offers more customization, and even command-line tools for those who want a completely standalone executable file. By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to transform your favorite news sites, social media platforms, or work dashboards into high-performance desktop applications that feel like an integral part of your operating system.

The Benefits of Converting Websites to Desktop Apps

One of the primary reasons users choose to convert websites into apps is the improvement in multitasking. When a website is converted into an app, it appears in the Alt+Tab switcher as a unique entity, separate from your main browser window. This allows for faster switching between a spreadsheet and your communication tool without having to hunt through a list of open browser tabs. Furthermore, these apps can be pinned to the Windows Taskbar or the Start Menu, providing one-click access to the services you use most frequently throughout the day.

Performance and resource management also play a significant role. Browsers are notorious for consuming large amounts of RAM, especially when many tabs are open. By running a website as a dedicated app, Windows can sometimes manage the process more efficiently, and the browser itself omits the heavy UI elements like the address bar, bookmarks, and extensions that are not needed for that specific site. This results in a cleaner aesthetic that focuses entirely on the content of the website, making it feel like a premium, native experience rather than a generic web page.

Finally, there is the advantage of system integration. Many web apps created through these methods support native Windows notifications, allowing you to receive alerts directly in the Action Center. Some even support offline functionality if the website is built as a Progressive Web App. This bridge between the web and the local OS ensures that you never miss an update and can continue working even when your internet connection is unstable. For professionals who rely on cloud-based tools, this level of integration is essential for maintaining a high-level “flow” state during work hours.

Method 1: Using Microsoft Edge (The Native Windows Solution)

Microsoft Edge is the default browser for Windows 11 and 10, and it offers the most seamless integration for turning websites into apps. Since Edge is built on the Chromium engine, it supports all modern web standards while adding features specifically designed for Windows users. Converting a site in Edge creates a “Web App” that behaves almost exactly like a program installed from the Microsoft Store. This method is highly recommended for users who want a quick, stable, and low-effort solution.

Step-by-Step Installation via Edge

To begin, launch Microsoft Edge and navigate to the website you wish to convert. Once the page has fully loaded, look for the three-dot menu icon (Settings and more) in the top-right corner of the browser. Click on this menu and hover your mouse over the Apps option. A sub-menu will appear where you can select Install this site as an app. A small pop-up window will ask you to name the application; you can keep the default name or give it a custom title that makes sense for your workflow. After clicking “Install,” the website will immediately reopen in a new, dedicated window without the traditional browser UI.

Once the app is installed, Microsoft Edge will present you with several integration options. You can choose to pin the app to the taskbar, pin it to the Start menu, or create a desktop shortcut. You can also opt to have the app auto-start when you sign in to your computer, which is perfect for essential tools like email or calendar apps. If you ever need to manage these apps later, you can find them by typing edge://apps into the Edge address bar, where you can change settings or uninstall them entirely.

Method 2: Using Google Chrome (The Industry Standard)

Google Chrome remains the most popular browser globally, and its method for creating web apps is just as robust as Edge’s. Chrome uses a slightly different terminology, often referring to these as “Shortcuts” that “Open as Window,” but the end result is functionally the same. This method is ideal for users who are already deep in the Google ecosystem and want to sync their web apps across different Windows devices using their Google account.

Creating a Dedicated Windowed App in Chrome

First, open Google Chrome and navigate to the desired URL. Click the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and navigate to Save and Share, then select Install page as app. If the website does not specifically support PWA features, you might see Create Shortcut instead. If you see the latter, make sure to check the box that says Open as window in the configuration pop-up. This is the most crucial step; if you forget to check this box, the shortcut will simply open the website in a new tab within your existing browser window rather than as a standalone app.

After the app is created, Chrome will place a shortcut on your desktop and automatically open the new app window. These apps are managed through the chrome://apps page. From here, you can right-click any app to toggle its “Open as Window” status or remove it from your system. One advantage of Chrome-based apps is their ability to use Chrome’s profile system, allowing you to have different “apps” for different accounts (e.g., a personal Gmail app and a work Gmail app) that run simultaneously without overlapping data.

Advanced Method: Using Nativefier for Standalone Apps

For users who want more control or want to create apps that do not rely on having a browser window open in the background, Nativefier is a powerful command-line tool. Nativefier uses Electron, the same framework used by apps like VS Code and Discord, to wrap any website into a standalone .exe file. This is a bit more technical as it requires Node.js, but it allows for deep customization, such as changing the app icon, injecting custom CSS, and forcing specific window sizes.

Setting Up and Using Nativefier

To use this method, you must first install Node.js from its official website. Once installed, open your Command Prompt or PowerShell and type the following command to install Nativefier globally: npm install -g nativefier. Once the installation is complete, creating an app is as simple as typing nativefier "https://example.com". The tool will then crawl the website for its favicon and metadata to package everything into a folder containing a ready-to-use executable file. You can then move this folder to your “Program Files” directory and create a shortcut to the .exe for your Start menu.

Nativefier offers numerous flags for customization. For example, if you want to name your app “MyDashboard” and give it a custom icon, you would use: nativefier --name "MyDashboard" --icon "C:\path\to\icon.ico" "https://dashboard.com". This level of granularity is perfect for developers or power users who want their web apps to look and behave exactly like native Windows software, complete with custom branding and behavior.

Why Progressive Web Apps (PWA) are the Future

When you convert a website using the methods above, you are often taking advantage of Progressive Web App technology. PWAs are not just simple bookmarks; they are designed to be fast, reliable, and engaging. They use a script called a “Service Worker” that runs in the background to handle caching and data synchronization. This means that a well-built PWA can load instantly even on slow networks and can provide a level of interactivity that standard websites cannot match.

A key component of a PWA is the Web App Manifest. This is a JSON file that tells the browser how the app should behave when “installed” on a desktop. It defines the splash screen, the theme color of the title bar, and whether the app should be viewed in landscape or portrait mode. When you use Edge or Chrome to install a site, they look for this manifest to ensure the transition from web to desktop is as smooth as possible. As more developers adopt PWA standards, the line between “website” and “software” will continue to blur, making these conversion methods even more effective.

Comparison of Web App Creation Methods

• Microsoft Edge Installation: Offers the deepest integration with Windows 11/10 features like the Action Center and Taskbar. It is the easiest to set up and requires zero technical knowledge or third-party software downloads.
• Google Chrome “Open as Window”: Best for users who prefer the Google ecosystem and want their apps to sync across multiple computers. It provides a familiar interface and excellent compatibility with Google Workspace tools.
• Nativefier (Electron): Provides a truly standalone .exe file that does not require a browser UI to be active. It is highly customizable for power users but requires a basic understanding of the command line and Node.js.
• WebCatalog: A third-party software that acts as a dedicated hub for web apps. It simplifies the process of managing dozens of apps and provides a catalog of pre-configured services for easy installation.
• Brave/Vivaldi Browsers: These privacy-focused Chromium browsers also support PWA installation. They are ideal for users who want the “app” experience without the tracking associated with larger tech companies.

Pro Tips for Better Web App Management

1. Customize Your Icons for Better Recognition: When creating a web app, the browser often pulls a low-resolution favicon. For a more professional look, download a high-resolution PNG or ICO file of the website’s logo. In Microsoft Edge, you can change the icon during the installation process or by right-clicking the shortcut later to ensure your taskbar looks clean and organized.

2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Navigation: Just because the address bar is gone doesn’t mean you lose navigation. You can use Alt + Left Arrow to go back or F5 to refresh the app window. These shortcuts make the web app feel more like a native program while retaining the functional flexibility of a browser.

3. Enable Dark Mode for Better Aesthetics: Many web apps look best when they match the Windows system theme. If a website offers a dark mode, enable it within the app window. Some browsers also allow you to force dark mode on all sites via internal flags (e.g., chrome://flags/#enable-force-dark), which can make your custom apps look much more integrated with the Windows 11 dark theme.

4. Manage Background Processes: Even though these apps appear separate, they still run on the browser’s engine. If you notice your computer slowing down, use the Shift + Esc shortcut inside the app to open the browser’s internal Task Manager. This allows you to see exactly how much memory a specific web app is consuming and kill it if it becomes unresponsive.

5. Leverage “Pin to Side” Features: On Windows 11, you can use Snap Layouts to position your web apps perfectly. Since web apps often have simpler UIs, they work great in a split-screen view. Try snapping your “Gmail app” to the left third of your screen while keeping your main browser or word processor in the larger remaining space for maximum productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I turn any website into an app?

Yes, virtually any website can be turned into a windowed app using the “Install” feature in Edge or Chrome. However, websites that are specifically designed as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) will offer a much better experience, including better navigation, offline support, and native notifications. Simple blogs or static sites will still work, but they may feel more like a “site in a box” than a true application.

Do these apps work offline?

Whether a web app works offline depends entirely on the website’s developers. If the site is a PWA with a properly configured service worker and caching strategy (like Google Docs or Outlook), it will offer significant offline functionality. For standard websites, you will likely see a “No Internet” error if you try to use the app without a connection, just as you would in a regular browser.

Is converting a website to an app safe?

It is perfectly safe, as long as the website you are converting is trustworthy. These apps run within the same security sandbox as your web browser, meaning they cannot access your local files or system settings without your explicit permission. Using this method is actually safer than downloading random .exe files from the internet, as you are relying on the proven security architecture of Chromium.

How do I uninstall a website app?

To uninstall an app created via Edge, go to edge://apps, find the app, and click “Uninstall.” In Chrome, go to chrome://apps, right-click the icon, and select “Remove from Chrome.” You can also often find these apps listed in the standard Windows “Apps & Features” or “Installed Apps” section in the System Settings, where they can be removed like any other program.

Will these apps update automatically?

Yes. Because these apps are essentially “shells” for the website, they will always load the most recent version of the site whenever you open them. You do not need to manually download updates for the app itself. If the website owner changes the design or adds new features, those changes will appear in your Windows app the next time it refreshes or restarts.

Conclusion

Turning a website into a Windows 10 or 11 app is a transformative way to streamline your digital life. By moving away from a cluttered browser window and toward a task-oriented desktop environment, you can improve focus, reduce system resource strain, and gain quicker access to your most vital tools. Whether you choose the simplicity of Microsoft Edge, the ecosystem of Google Chrome, or the power of Nativefier, the result is a more cohesive and efficient operating system experience. As web technology continues to advance, these web-based apps will only become more powerful, eventually rivaling traditional software in every metric that matters. Start by converting your two most-used websites today and experience the immediate boost in your daily productivity workflow.