A desktop shortcut is a link that provides quick access to a program, file, folder, or website. It does not create another copy of the original item or take up much storage space. It simply points Windows to the location where the original item is stored.
Whether you are using Windows 11 or Windows 10, there are several ways to create desktop shortcuts. You can use the right-click context menu, Start menu, File Explorer, desktop shortcut wizard, or even drag and drop an item onto your desktop.
In this guide, we will explain all the practical methods to create desktop shortcuts in Windows.
Create a Desktop Shortcut in Windows [All Methods]
To create a desktop shortcut in Windows 11 or Windows 10, follow these methods:
1: Create a Desktop Shortcut Using the Right-Click Menu
One of the easiest ways to create a desktop shortcut in Windows is through the right-click context menu. This method works particularly well for files, folders, and application files stored on your computer.
First, open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E on your keyboard. Navigate to the location where the file or folder is stored. For example, if you want quick access to a document, open the folder containing that document.
Right-click the item you want to access on your desktop. In Windows 11, select Show more options to open the classic context menu. In Windows 10, you can usually access the complete menu directly.
Now select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). Windows will automatically create a shortcut on your desktop without moving or copying the original file.
Follow this navigation path: File Explorer > Locate File or Folder > Right-click > Show more options > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
You can now return to your desktop and double-click the newly created shortcut to open the original item. This method is especially useful when you regularly work with documents, spreadsheets, pictures, or folders.
2: Create a Desktop Shortcut Using the Start Menu
If you want to create a shortcut for an installed application, the Start menu is another convenient option. You can use this method for applications such as Microsoft Word, Calculator, Notepad, and other programs that appear in your application list.
Press the Windows key to open the Start menu. In Windows 11, select All apps to view the installed applications. In Windows 10, you can find applications in the alphabetical app list or through the Start menu search.
Find the application you want to add to your desktop. Right-click its name and check whether the context menu provides an Open file location option. If available, select it. File Explorer will open the folder containing the application’s shortcut.
Right-click the application shortcut in that folder and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). If you are using Windows 11, you may need to select Show more options first.
The navigation path is Start > All apps > Right-click ‘Application’ > Open file location > Send to > Desktop.
Some Microsoft Store applications do not provide the Open file location option through the Start menu. For those applications, you can use the desktop shortcut wizard or another supported method.
3: Create a Desktop Shortcut Using the Shortcut Wizard
Windows also provides a manual shortcut creation option. This method is helpful when you know the location of an application, file, folder, or system command but cannot find a convenient shortcut option in its context menu.
To get started, minimize your open windows and right-click an empty area of your desktop. Select New > Shortcut from the context menu. The Create Shortcut wizard will open.
You will see a field asking you to enter the location of the item. Type its complete path or use the Browse button to locate the required file or folder.
For example, if you want to create a shortcut for Notepad, you can enter notepad.exe in the location field. Click Next, enter a name for your shortcut, and select Finish.
Follow this path: Desktop > Right-click > New > Shortcut > Enter Location > Next > Finish.
Your new shortcut should now appear on the desktop. Double-click it to confirm that it opens the correct application or location.
This method is particularly useful for creating shortcuts to system utilities, frequently used folders, and applications that are difficult to locate through the Start menu.
4: Create a Desktop Shortcut for a Website
Do you frequently visit a particular website? Instead of opening your browser and typing its address every time, you can create a desktop shortcut that takes you directly to that website.
Open Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or another compatible browser. Navigate to the website you want to access quickly. Make sure the browser window is not maximized so you can see part of your desktop.
Look at the address bar and find the website’s icon or site information symbol next to its URL. In many browsers, you can drag this icon directly onto an empty area of your desktop.
Release the mouse button, and Windows should create a shortcut to that website.
The general process is Open Browser > Visit Website > Select Site Icon in Address Bar > Drag to Desktop.
You can also use browser-specific options. For example, in Microsoft Edge, open the browser menu and look under More tools for an option to create a shortcut or install the website as an app, depending on the available version and website support.
In Chrome, check the browser menu for Cast, save, and share, or the available shortcut-related options. The wording may vary between versions.
After creating the shortcut, double-click it to open the website in your default browser or the browser associated with the shortcut.
5: Create a Desktop Shortcut for a Specific Windows Tool
Windows includes several useful utilities that you may want to access quickly, such as Task Manager, Control Panel, Command Prompt, and Disk Cleanup.
You can create shortcuts for these tools using the desktop shortcut wizard. Right-click an empty desktop area and select New > Shortcut.
In the location field, enter the appropriate command for the tool you want to open.
For example, enter taskmgr to create a Task Manager shortcut, control for Control Panel, or cleanmgr for Disk Cleanup. Select Next, provide a suitable shortcut name, and click Finish.
The navigation path is Desktop > New > Shortcut > Enter System Command > Next > Name Shortcut > Finish.
Once created, double-click the shortcut to launch the corresponding Windows utility. Some tools may require administrator permissions for particular operations, even when their shortcuts open successfully.
6: Create a Desktop Shortcut by Dragging and Dropping
Another simple way to create a desktop shortcut is by using drag and drop. This method is particularly useful when you want to create shortcuts for files, folders, or application shortcuts that are already accessible through File Explorer.
Open File Explorer using Windows + E and navigate to the location of the item you want to access. Restore or minimize the window so that you can see both File Explorer and your desktop.
Now hold the Alt key on your keyboard and drag the selected file or folder to an empty area of the desktop. Release the mouse button first, followed by the Alt key.
Windows should create a shortcut instead of moving the original item.
You can also use the right mouse button to drag an item onto the desktop. When you release it, select Create shortcuts here if that option appears.
Follow this path: File Explorer > Select Item > Hold Alt > Drag to Desktop > Release.
Be careful when dragging files with the left mouse button alone because Windows may move or copy the original item instead of creating a shortcut.
Rename and Customize Your Desktop Shortcut
After creating a shortcut, you may want to change its name or appearance to make it easier to recognize. Windows allows you to customize several shortcut properties without changing the original application or file.
To rename a shortcut, right-click it and select Rename. Enter your preferred name and press Enter.
If you want to change its icon, right-click the shortcut and select Properties. Open the Shortcut tab and select Change Icon. Choose an available icon or browse for a compatible icon file, then select OK and Apply.
The navigation path is Desktop > Right-click Shortcut > Properties > Shortcut > Change Icon.
You can also explore the shortcut’s target and Start in fields. Avoid changing these values unless you know what they do, because incorrect entries may prevent the shortcut from working.
If you want to remove a shortcut later, right-click it and select Delete. Remember that deleting a shortcut generally does not delete the original file, folder, or application.
FAQs
1. How do I create a desktop shortcut in Windows 11?
Right-click an empty area of your desktop and select New > Shortcut. Enter the location of the application, file, or folder, click Next, provide a name, and select Finish.
2. How do I create a desktop shortcut in Windows 10?
Open File Explorer, locate the required file or folder, right-click it, and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). You can also use the desktop shortcut wizard.
3. How do I create a desktop shortcut for an installed application?
Open the Start menu, find the application, and select Open file location if available. Right-click its shortcut in File Explorer and choose Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
4. Can I create a desktop shortcut for a website?
Yes. Open the website in Chrome or Edge and drag its site icon from the address bar onto your desktop. You can also use the browser’s available shortcut creation options.
5. Does creating a desktop shortcut duplicate the original file?
No. A shortcut is simply a link to the original item. It does not create another copy of the file or application, and deleting the shortcut normally leaves the original item untouched.
6. Why can’t I create a desktop shortcut for an application?
Some applications, particularly Microsoft Store apps, do not provide the usual Open file location option. Try the desktop shortcut wizard or check whether the application supports another shortcut creation method.
7. How can I restore a deleted desktop shortcut?
If you accidentally delete a shortcut, you can create it again using the original file location, Start menu, or shortcut wizard. Deleting the shortcut does not normally remove the original application or file.
Final Words
Creating desktop shortcuts in Windows 11 and Windows 10 is a simple way to improve your productivity and access frequently used items faster. Whether you prefer using the right-click context menu, Start menu, File Explorer, shortcut wizard, or drag-and-drop method, Windows provides several convenient ways to get the job done.
For beginners, the Send to > Desktop (create shortcut) option is usually the easiest method for files and folders. If you want to create shortcuts for applications or system utilities, the New > Shortcut wizard is another reliable choice.
You can also rename shortcuts, change their icons, and organize them into desktop folders to keep everything easy to find.