How to create a Windows shortcut
Updated: 11/13/2018 by Computer Hope
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 follow the steps below.
Create a shortcut using Microsoft's wizard
This method allows users to create shortcuts on the Windows desktop or in a folder.
- Right-click a blank space on the Windows desktop, a folder, or in a directory.
- Move your mouse cursor over New in the drop-down menu that appears.
- Then select Shortcut.
- On the Create Shortcut window, click the
button.
- Locate the program for which you'd like to create a shortcut (A), and then click OK (B).
- Click the
button.
- Type in a name for the shortcut, then click the
button.
Tip: You can pin a desktop shortcut for a program to the taskbar by dragging and dropping it there.
Create a shortcut from a folder
- Open the Windows File Explorer by pressing the Windows key and E at the same time.
- Browse to the folder that contains the program for which you'd like to create a shortcut.
- Right-click on the program and select Create Shortcut from the drop-down menu that appears.
- Doing so will create a shortcut named "<selected program's name> - Shortcut" in the current directory.
Tip: If you want to rename this shortcut, right-click the file and select Rename.
- Once the steps above have been completed, you can right-click the shortcut to copy or cut it, and then paste it to another location.
Additional information
- How do I create a Windows shortcut key?
- Add shortcuts to the desktop with a drag and a drop.
- Create desktop shortcuts to your favorite web pages.
- How to change the icon of a folder in Windows.
- How do I create a computer file?
- See the shortcut definition for further information and related links.
- Microsoft Windows help and support.