Creating Desktop Shortcut

Windows Desktop & Start menu

Creating Desktop Shortcut

A shortcut offers a way of doing a task more quickly such as starting a program or accessing a document. The shortcut icon has a small arrow in the left corner to help you distinguish it from the actual icon that represents programs and files.

Adding a Shortcut

In this module, you will learn three ways to create a shortcut. Choose the one that works best for you.

To add a shortcut to the desktop using Windows Explorer:

• In the right pane of Windows Explorer, click the file, program or folder for which you want to make a shortcut. The item darkens when you select it.

• Choose File Create Shortcut.

• Hover the mouse pointer over the shortcut icon and hold down the left mouse button and drag the shortcut onto desktop (in the left pane).

• The word "Desktop" will darken when you drag the icon over it.

• Release the left mouse button and a shortcut is moved to the desktop.

Right-Clicking to Add a Shortcut

One shortcut creation method works in both My Computer and Windows Explorer. This method requires you to right-click.

To add a shortcut by right-clicking:

• In either My Computer or Windows Explorer, right-click the file or folder for which you want to make a desktop shortcut.

• A pop-up menu appears.

• Choose Send To Desktop (create shortcut).

To remove a shortcut

1. Right-click on the shortcut icon that you want to delete. A shortcut menu is displayed.

2. Click Delete. A message asking you to confirm the deletion opens.

3. Click Yes to move the shortcut to the recycle bin.