Windows ten notwithstanding lets yous create desktop shortcuts to applications, files, folders, and even websites. Desktop icons may a piffling out of style, merely they're yet useful every bit office of a nicely organized desktop.

How to Create a Shortcut to an Application

To do this the piece of cake way, open Windows 10'southward Showtime carte du jour. Wait for the application y'all desire to use by scrolling through the Apps list at the left side of the bill of fare. If information technology's in the tiles list at the right side of the menu, you can also elevate it from there.

Once you've constitute it, drag and drop the awarding's shortcut from your Outset menu to your desktop. You'll come across the word "Link" appear when you're hovering over the desktop. Release the mouse button to create a link to the programme, also known equally a desktop shortcut.

Creating a desktop shortcut from Windows 10's Start menu

Annotation that you can't search for the application by proper name in the Start bill of fare. Windows 10 won't permit you drag and drop anything from the search results. It should, just information technology doesn't.

How to Create a Shortcut to a File or Folder

To create a desktop shortcut to a file, first, locate the file somewhere in File Explorer. Concur down the Alt key on your keyboard and then drag and drib the file or folder to your desktop. The words "Create Link in Desktop" volition appear. Release the mouse push button to create the link.

Creating a desktop shortcut from a file in Windows 10's File Explorer

Property downwardly Alt is necessary. If you don't hold down Alt, Windows will testify the words "Motion to Desktop," and it will move the folder or file to your desktop rather than merely creating a link.

How to Create a Shortcut to a Website

In Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, you can quickly create desktop shortcuts to websites. With a spider web page open, drag and drop the icon to the left of the address bar—it's generally a padlock or an "i" in a circle—to the desktop.

Creating a desktop shortcut link to a web page with Google Chrome on Windows 10

This doesn't work in Microsoft Edge for some reason. Edge won't permit you directly create desktop shortcuts. Yet, you can create them in Chrome or Firefox, and they'll automatically open up in your default web browser—fifty-fifty if that's Microsoft Edge.

Working With Your Shortcuts

Whatever type of shortcut you create, yous can right-click it afterward, select "Rename," and change the proper name to whatever yous like.

You can use all the above methods to create shortcuts in other folders, likewise. Desire to create a shortcut to a website or application in your Downloads folder? Become right ahead! Just drag and drop it to your desired location instead of the desktop.

If you don't see whatsoever shortcuts on your desktop, they may be subconscious. Right-click the desktop and select View > Testify Desktop Icons to unhide them.

Y'all can also choose the size of your desktop icons from here—large, medium, or modest. For more size options, position your mouse cursor over the desktop, hold down the Ctrl key, and ringlet up and downward with your mouse wheel.

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