Create desktop shortcut to program
The easiest way to create shortcuts to programs is via the start menu: simply drag the desired application from there to the desktop. So find the application in the Start menu by scrolling through the “Applications” list on the left side of the menu. When you find it, drag the application shortcut from your Start menu to your desktop and drop it there. To open the link, simply double-click on it.
Note that you cannot search for the application using the name in the start menu. In Windows 10, you can’t drag anything from the search results and put it somewhere else.
Link folder or file
To create a desktop shortcut to a file, first locate the file somewhere in File Explorer. Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard and then drag and drop the file or folder onto your desktop. The words “Create shortcut in desktop” appear. Release the mouse button to create the shortcut. Again, just double-click the link to open it.
Holding down the Alt key is necessary, otherwise Windows will only display the words “Move to desktop” and move the folder or file to your desktop instead of creating a shortcut.
Create desktop shortcut to website
In Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox , you can quickly create desktop shortcuts to websites. When a web page is open, drag the icon to the left of the address bar – usually a padlock or an “i” in a circle – on the desktop. Double-clicking the link opens the website in your standard browser. You cannot create a direct desktop shortcut to web pages
with Microsoft Edge . However, you can create the shortcuts in Chrome or Firefox and they will then open automatically in your standard web browser – even if it is Microsoft Edge.