Let's say you have a favorite program, a folder you use all the time, or a specific file. Instead of digging through the Start Menu or File Explorer every time, you can put a quick-access button right on your desktop. That button is called a shortcut. Here’s how to make one, step by step.
The Simple Way to Make a Desktop Shortcut
This is the easiest method for most things you want to access quickly.
- Find the program, file, or folder you want a shortcut for. You can look in the Start Menu or File Explorer.
- Right-click on it. A menu will pop up.
- Hover your mouse over Send to in that menu.
- From the new side menu that appears, click Desktop (create shortcut).
That's it! You'll see a new icon appear on your desktop with a little arrow in the corner, showing it's a shortcut.
Another Method: The "Create Shortcut" Option
Sometimes, the "Send to" option might not be there. In that case, use this method.
- Right-click on the item (program, file, folder).
- From the main menu, directly click Create shortcut.
- This creates the shortcut in the same location as the original item. You'll then need to click and drag this new shortcut icon onto your desktop.
How to Change the Shortcut's Icon
Don't like the default icon? You can pick a new one to make it easier to spot.
- Right-click on the shortcut icon you just created on your desktop.
- Select Properties from the bottom of the menu.
- In the Properties window, go to the Shortcut tab.
- Click the Change Icon... button near the bottom.
- A new window will show you a list of icons. Pick one you like and click OK.
- Click Apply and then OK in the main Properties window.
Your desktop shortcut will now have the new icon you selected.
mklink /D "C:\Users\YourName\Desktop\MyFolderLink" "D:\Actual\Folder\Path"Note: The command above is for advanced users. It creates a special type of shortcut called a "symbolic link" for folders, using the Command Prompt. For everyday use, the right-click methods are much simpler.
Why Use Desktop Shortcuts?
Think of your desktop as your digital workspace's main bulletin board. Shortcuts are like pinned notes that take you directly to what you need. They save you time and keep your most important tools just one click away. They don't move or copy the original file; they're just a quick link to it.
For more ways to organize and customize your Windows experience, check out our collection of free online tools. You might find utilities like our Favicon Maker useful if you're also working on websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
📚 Read Next
Does creating a shortcut delete the original file?
No, not at all. A shortcut is just a link. The original program, file, or folder stays exactly where it was, safe and sound. Deleting the shortcut only removes the link, not the original item.
Can I create a shortcut for a website on my desktop?
Yes, you can! Open your web browser (like Chrome or Edge) and go to the website. Click on the address bar to highlight the URL. Then, click and drag that URL from the address bar directly onto your desktop. It will create a shortcut that opens that website in your browser.
Why does my shortcut have a small arrow on it?
That little arrow is a visual cue from Windows to let you know it's a shortcut file and not the original application or folder. It helps you tell the difference between the actual item and a link to it.
I can't find the "Create shortcut" option. What do I do?
Some system files or locations might restrict shortcut creation. First, try the Send to > Desktop (create shortcut) method. If that doesn't work, make sure you are right-clicking on a file, folder, or program executable (.exe file), and not on something like a system setting.
