To create a desktop shortcut in Windows 10, right-click an empty area of the desktop, choose New > Shortcut, browse to the program, file or folder (or paste a web address), click Next, name it and click Finish. A faster way for apps is to drag them from the Start menu onto the desktop. For files and folders, right-click the item and choose Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). A shortcut is only a link, so deleting it doesn’t delete the original. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027.
Quick Answer
Right-click desktop > New > Shortcut > browse > Next > name > Finish. Or drag an app from Start.
Steps to Create a Shortcut
- Right-click an empty part of the desktop.
- Choose New > Shortcut.
- Click Browse to pick the item, or type a path or web address.
- Click Next, type a name, and click Finish.
- Or drag an app from the Start menu list to the desktop.
Shortcut Methods
| Item | Quickest way |
|---|---|
| App | Drag from Start to the desktop |
| File or folder | Right-click > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut) |
| Website | New > Shortcut and paste the address, or drag the padlock icon from the browser |
| This PC | Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings |
Shortcuts for Microsoft Store Apps
Store apps such as Calculator or Photos don’t have a normal program file to browse to. The easiest way to get a desktop shortcut for them:
- Press Windows + R, type
shell:AppsFolderand press Enter. - A window opens listing every installed app, including Store apps.
- Right-click the app you want and choose Create shortcut.
- Click Yes when Windows offers to place the shortcut on the desktop.
Shortcuts to Settings Pages
You can also make a desktop shortcut that jumps straight to a Settings page. Right-click the desktop, choose New, Shortcut, and type a Settings address as the location, for example ms-settings:display for Display, ms-settings:windowsupdate for Windows Update or ms-settings:network-wifi for Wi-Fi. Click Next, give it a name and click Finish.
Customise a Shortcut
- Change the icon: right-click the shortcut, choose Properties, then Change Icon.
- Add a keyboard shortcut: in Properties, click the Shortcut key box and press a combination such as Ctrl + Alt + N.
- Always run as administrator: in Properties, click Advanced and tick Run as administrator (only for programs that need it).
- Open minimised or maximised: use the Run drop-down in Properties.
- Rename it: select it and press F2. Many people remove the “- Shortcut” text Windows adds.
Troubleshooting
- Shortcut shows a blank icon: Right-click > Properties > Change Icon.
- This PC icon: See adding a This PC shortcut.
- Arrange icons: See changing desktop icons.
- On Windows 11: See adding a desktop shortcut in Windows 11.
Related: Make shortcuts on Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting a shortcut delete the program?
No. It only removes the link.
Can I add a keyboard shortcut to it?
Yes. Right-click > Properties > Shortcut key.
Why can’t I drag apps from Start?
Some Store apps don’t support it; use the shell:AppsFolder method above instead.
Summary
- Right-click the desktop.
- New > Shortcut.
- Pick the item and name it.
- Or drag apps from Start.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.