How to Create Shortcut From Windows Explorer to Desktop

Desktop shortcuts make it easy for you to access a file or directory on your hard drive. Using a shortcut you can gain access to a file without needing to find it with Windows Explorer or the Start menu. You can quickly create a new desktop shortcut for any file or directory located on your hard-drive. Just use the Windows Explorer and the shortcut creation process accessible through the Explorer right-click (context) menus.

Things You'll Need

• Windows PC

Instructions

1. Use Windows Explorer to locate the file or directory on your hard drive for which you want to create the desktop shortcut.

2. Right-click on the file or directory to open a context menu of file options.

3. Scroll down the list of options and highlight "Send to," then in the submenu, select "Desktop (create shortcut)." The new icon will appear on your desktop, labeled with the name of the file or directory followed by the word "Shortcut." Activate your new shortcut by double-clicking on it.

References

• Microsoft Support: How to Create a Shortcut on the Desktop
• Computer Education: Windows XP Your Way: Customizing Shortcuts

Resources

• Ask Leo: Where is Windows Explorer?