How to Add an Internet Explorer Icon to the Desktop in Windows 7

Ethernet cable for connecting to the Internet

Windows 7, the latest version of the Windows operating system, does not support the ability to create an icon for the Internet Explorer browser on your computer's Desktop using the Windows Registry. Prior to this change, you could create an icon within your computer's Windows Registry file for the browser. This new change in the configuration allows you to easily remove Internet Explorer if you want to. There are two ways to add an Internet Explorer icon to your Windows 7 Desktop.

Instructions

Click & Drag Method

1. Click "Start," "All Programs." Locate the Internet Explorer icon.

2. Right-click on the Internet Explorer icon.

3. Hold and drag the icon to your Windows 7 Desktop.

4. Click "Create Shortcuts Here." If you don't see the "Create Shortcuts Here" option, click "Copy Here."

5. Double-click the Internet Explorer icon to open the browser.

Copy and Paste Method

1. Copy the following command "%programfiles%\internet explorer\iexplore.exe". Copy the quotation marks along with the command.

2. Right-click on a blank space on your Windows 7 Desktop. Click "New," "Shortcut." The "Create Shortcut Wizard" opens.

3. Right-click in the "Type the location of the item" box. Click "Paste" to paste the command copied in step 1.

4. Click "Next."

5. Enter "Internet Explorer" in the "Type a name for this shortcut" box.

6. Click "Finish." A shortcut for Internet Explorer is now on your Windows 7 Desktop.

7. Double-click the Internet Explorer icon to open the browser.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't see the Internet Explorer icon on your Windows 7 desktop, right-click on any blank area on the Desktop and select "Refresh," or restart your computer.

References

• Support.Microsoft.com: The Internet Explorer Icon Is Missing From Your Desktop

Resources

• Technet.Microsoft.com: 77 Windows 7 Tips