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If you are someone who frequently needs access to certain apps or files on your Windows 10 PC, you may find it tedious to always have to navigate through the Start menu or search for them. The good news is, Windows 10 allows you to add shortcuts to your desktop for quick and easy access to your favorite items. In this blog post, we will show you how to add shortcuts to your desktop on Windows 10 and provide some additional tips to help you customize your desktop for productivity.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Adding Shortcut to Desktop on Windows 10
Adding a shortcut to your desktop on Windows 10 might seem like a simple and straightforward task, but it can be confusing for users who are new to the operating system. Additionally, some users may not be aware of the features that Windows 10 offers to make desktop customization more efficient and organized. Our goal with this blog post is to provide a comprehensive guide to help you overcome any challenges and take full advantage of the benefits of adding shortcuts to your desktop.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the methods on how to add shortcuts to your desktop on Windows 10, here are some things you should prepare for:
1. Determine which app or file you want to create a shortcut for. You can only create a shortcut for an app or file that is already installed on your computer.
2. Decide where you want to place the shortcut on your desktop. You can drag and drop the shortcut anywhere on your desktop once it’s created.
3. Choose an icon for your shortcut. Windows 10 offers default icons, but you can also choose a custom icon for your shortcut.
Method 1: Using the Desktop Context Menu
1. Right-click on an empty area of your desktop.
2. Select "New" from the context menu.
3. Click on "Shortcut."
4. In the "Create Shortcut" window, type the location of the item you want to create a shortcut for. This can be a file path or the name of an app.
5. Click "Next."
6. Type a name for the shortcut.
7. Click "Finish."
Pros: This is the easiest and quickest method to create a desktop shortcut.
Cons: The default icon for the shortcut might not be easily recognizable or helpful in identifying the item.
Method 2: Using the Run Dialog Box
1. Press the "Windows" key + "R" on your keyboard.
2. Type "shell:AppsFolder" and press "Enter."
3. Find the app or file you want to create a shortcut for.
4. Right-click on the item and select "Create shortcut."
5. Click "Yes" on the prompt asking if you want to create a shortcut on the desktop.
Pros: This method allows you to create shortcuts for built-in Windows 10 apps that might not be easily accessible via the Start menu.
Cons: You need to know the name of the exact app or file to use this method, which might not be intuitive for all users.
Method 3: Using the Start Menu
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Find the app or file you want to create a shortcut for.
3. Right-click on the item and select "More."
4. Click on "Pin to Start."
5. Go to your Start menu and find the app or file.
6. Drag and drop the item onto your desktop.
7. The shortcut will appear on your desktop.
Pros: This method allows you to "pin" apps and files to your Start menu for easy access, which can then be easily dragged onto your desktop.
Cons: This method requires additional steps to create a shortcut, and might not be the most efficient method for all users.
Why Can’t I Add a Shortcut to Desktop on Windows 10 and Fixes
1. The file or app might not be installed on your computer. Make sure that the item you want to create a shortcut for is installed and accessible on your computer.
2. The item might be blocked by Windows Security. If an item is flagged as a security risk, Windows 10 might block it from creating a shortcut on your desktop. Check your Windows Security settings and adjust them accordingly.
3. Your user account might not have the necessary permissions to create a shortcut. Check your user account settings and ensure that you have the necessary permissions to create a shortcut.
Additional Tips
1. Customize your shortcut icons: Right-click on the shortcut and select "Properties." Click on "Change Icon" and choose from the pre-installed icons or add your own custom icons.
2. Organize your shortcuts: Use folders or create a system to organize your shortcuts for easier access and a cleaner desktop.
3. Pin frequently used apps to your taskbar: Right-click on the app in the Start menu and select "Pin to taskbar" for even quicker access.
5 FAQs about Adding Shortcut to Desktop on Windows 10
Q1: Is it possible to add a shortcut for a website to my desktop?
A: Yes. Open your web browser and navigate to the website you want to create a shortcut for. Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner of your browser window and select "More Tools." Click on "Create Shortcut" and select "Desktop" as the location for the shortcut.
Q2: Can I create a keyboard shortcut for my desktop shortcuts?
A: Yes. Right-click on the shortcut and select "Properties." Click on the "Shortcut key" field and press the key combination you want to use as the shortcut. Click "OK" to save your changes.
Q3: Can I delete a desktop shortcut without removing the app or file from my computer?
A: Yes. Right-click on the shortcut and select "Delete." This will only remove the shortcut from your desktop, not the app or file from your computer.
Q4: How do I rename a desktop shortcut?
A: Right-click on the shortcut and select "Rename." Type the new name for the shortcut and press "Enter."
Q5: Can I use the same method to create shortcuts on my laptop?
A: Yes. The same methods can be used to create shortcuts on any computer running Windows 10.
In Conclusion
Adding shortcuts to your desktop on Windows 10 can make your daily computer tasks much more efficient and organized. Whether you prefer using the context menu, Run Dialog Box, or the Start menu to create shortcuts, it’s all up to your preference. With additional tips and FAQs, we hope that you have found this guide helpful in creating shortcuts that work best for you.