There are two different ways to create a desktop shortcut in Windows. How you create a desktop shortcut depends on the app or program you want to create the shortcut for.
Drag and drop to create a desktop shortcut
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Select the Start button, and find the app or program you want to create a desktop shortcut for.
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Drag and drop the app or program onto your desktop to create a shortcut.
Note:Â If you can create a shortcut for the app or program, you'll see Link appear above the icon when you drag it to the desktop.
Open file location and create a desktop shortcut
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Select the Start button, and find the app or program you want to create a desktop shortcut for.
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Right-click the app or program, and select Open file location.
Note:Â This option isn't available for apps from the Microsoft Store and some pre-installed apps on Windows 10.
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In the file explorer window that opens, right-click the app or program, and select Create shortcut.
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A warning will display that the shortcut can't be created in the file explorer window and will be placed on the desktop instead. Select Yes to create the desktop shortcut.
