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How to Create a Desktop Shortcut on Windows

Set up easy access to programs and files you frequently use

By Luis E. Chavez Saenz Luis E. Chavez Saenz Writer New Jersey Institute of Technology Luis Chavez is a former Lifewire writer and a System Administrator with 5+ years' experience writing about technology for end users. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 22, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide

What to Know

Quickest way: Select Start, locate the program, left-click and drag the program onto the desktop, and then select Link.Next fastest: Open File Explorer, locate the program, right-click the program, and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).For web pages, select and drag the padlock in the address bar to the desktop. This article explains how to create desktop shortcuts for applications, folders, and files. Additional information covers how to create shortcuts from a web browser. Instructions apply to Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Create a Shortcut From the Desktop

When you create a shortcut on the Windows desktop, you get easy access to any file or program installed on your computer. There are two requirements for creating a shortcut. First, you must know the file or program path or be able to navigate to it. Second, you must have permission to access the file or program. There are multiple ways to create shortcuts. Below are the steps to create a shortcut on your desktop by using the Create Shortcut wizard.
On your desktop screen, right-click any empty space. In the drop-down menu that appears, select New. Select Shortcut.
In the Create Shortcut wizard, select Browse to find the file or program that needs a shortcut. If you already know the path to the file or program, type it and proceed to step five. Navigate to the file or program you want to create a shortcut for. Select OK. Select Next. Type the name you want to assign to the shortcut, then select Finish. Your new shortcut appears on your desktop. You can use it as you would the other shortcuts.

Create a Desktop Shortcut in File Explorer With a Right-Click

There are three ways to create a desktop shortcut from File Explorer. The first method includes using the right-click context menu. See the next two sections for alternative ways. From your taskbar, launch File Explorer. Navigate to the file or program, then select it. Right-click the name of the file. From the menu that appears, select Send to. Select Desktop (create shortcut).
Your new shortcut appears on your desktop. You can use it as you would the other shortcuts.

Create a Desktop Shortcut Using the Alt Key

The second way to create a desktop shortcut from the File Explorer is by using the Alt key: From your taskbar, launch File Explorer. Locate the program or file. While pressing the Alt key, left-click and drag the app to your desktop and release.

Create From File Explorer Using Right-Click and Drag

The last way to create a shortcut from File Explorer is by using right-click and dragging to the desktop: From your taskbar, launch File Explorer. Locate the program or file. Right-click and drag the program to the desktop and release. From the right-click context menu, select Create shortcuts here.

Create a Shortcut From the Start Menu

Another way to create an application shortcut is from the Start menu. See the steps below. Select Start in the lower-left corner. Alternatively, press the Windows key. Locate the app that needs a desktop shortcut. Left-click and drag the app to your desktop, then select Link.

Create a Shortcut of a Web Page

If you have a favorite web page you visit frequently, you can create a desktop shortcut in a few steps. The steps below apply to Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. Open your favorite browser and navigate to your favorite website. In the address bar, select the padlock and drag it to the Desktop. Release your mouse button. A shortcut should appear. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Add Shortcuts to Windows 10 Desktops How to Create a Printer Shortcut in Windows 10 How to Create a Printer Shortcut in Windows 11 17 Best Free Uninstaller Programs (October 2022) IObit Uninstaller v12 Review How to Remove the Recycle Bin From a Windows Desktop How to Open File Explorer in Windows 11 How to Pin a Program or Website to the Windows Taskbar The Best Windows Keyboard Shortcuts in 2022 How to Insert a PDF Into Word How to Create Desktop Shortcuts on a Mac How to Create a New Folder in Windows 32 Best Free File Shredder Programs (October 2022) How to Open Registry Editor in Windows How to Stop Meta (Oculus) Home From Automatically Opening 16 Ways to Fix It When Windows 11 Folder Thumbnails Aren't Showing Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies