How to create a Windows shortcut

Shortcuts are a great way to quickly access programs, files, folders, and even web pages. They can be conveniently placed on your desktop or in certain directories or folders. There are a few methods used to achieve these results. To proceed, make your selection from the list below.

Create a shortcut using Microsoft's wizard

This method allows users to create shortcuts on the Windows desktop or in a folder.

1. Right-click a blank space on the Windows desktop, a folder, or in a directory.
2. Move your mouse cursor over New in the drop-down menu that appears.

3. Then select Shortcut.

4. On the Create Shortcut window, click the button.
5. Locate the program you'd like to use for the shortcut (A), and then click OK (B).

6. Click the button.
7. Type in a name for the shortcut, then click the button.

Create a shortcut from a folder

1. Open the Windows File Explorer by pressing Windows key+E at the same time.
2. Browse to the folder containing the program you want to use for the shortcut.
3. Right-click the program and select Create Shortcut from the drop-down menu that appears.

4. Doing so creates a shortcut named "<selected program's name> - Shortcut" in the current directory.

5. After completing the steps above, you can right-click the shortcut to copy or cut it, and then paste it to another location.