Making a desktop shortcut in Windows 10 (or even Windows 11, honestly) is pretty straightforward — but sometimes it feels like Windows is choreographing a mini dance just to create something that should be so simple. Maybe you’ve tried right-clicking, but no shortcut appears, or the icon doesn’t do what you expect. Or perhaps you want a shortcut to a website or a network drive, and the usual process doesn’t quite work as expected. It’s annoying, but don’t throw your PC out the window just yet. This guide walks through some solid methods to create those shortcuts and troubleshoot if things go sideways. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than it should be sometimes, right?
How to Create a Shortcut on Desktop Windows 10
Method 1: Use the Right-Click Method (Classic Approach)
This is the most common way — you right-click on an empty space on your desktop, and from that context menu, select New > Shortcut. If that option is missing or grayed out, it’s probably because of some weird system glitch or permission issue, but let’s start with the basics.
- Why it helps: This direct approach is quick and easy for most users and works for files, apps, or even URLs.
- When it applies: You wanna make a shortcut for a file, folder, or website directly from the context menu.
- What to expect: A wizard pops up, guiding you to enter the path and giving you some name options.
Step-by-step:
- Right-click on an empty space on your desktop, then choose New > Shortcut
- A window will open asking for the location. Here’s where you might get creative:
- Type out the path directly, or click the Browse button to locate your file or program. For instance, if you want a shortcut for Notepad, you’d type
C:\Windows\system32\notepad.exe, or just browse to C:\Windows\System32 and select notepad.exe. - Click Next, then give it a good descriptive name (like “Work Document” or “Chrome Launcher”).
- Hit Finish. Voilà, a shortcut appears on your desktop.
Keep in mind, if you try to add a website, just drag the URL from your browser’s address bar onto the desktop, and it’ll create a shortcut automatically. Easy peasy.
Method 2: Create Shortcut via File Explorer
This one’s a bit less obvious but super reliable if the right-click isn’t cooperating. Navigate to the file or folder in File Explorer, then right-click, choose Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). I’ve used this route when the context menu failed or the shortcut command was missing for some reason. It’s kind of a hidden gem for quick shortcuts.
Additional tips and tricks:
- If you want a website shortcut, just drag the URL from your browser’s address bar to the desktop instead of typing out the path. Sometimes this actually works better and creates a proper icon w/o fuss.
- In some cases, Windows might block right-click options due to permission issues or if it’s in a managed environment. Running your File Explorer or Explorer shell as administrator can sometimes unblock it — but be careful.
- If the shortcut isn’t working or opens the wrong thing, double-check the target path. Sometimes, copying the path from the address bar or properties window (via Properties > Target) makes it easier to get things right.
Extra Troubleshooting: When Shortcuts Act Weird
If your created shortcut isn’t working — like it opens the wrong program, or no icon shows up — try these quick fixes:
- Right-click the shortcut, go to Properties, then hit Change Icon. That’s how you fix missing or silly default icons.
- Check the target path carefully—typos or outdated locations can cause issues. Edit the target in the same Properties window if needed.
- If the shortcut refuses to update or hangs, try deleting it and creating a new one from scratch. Sometimes, shortcuts get corrupted or trapped in weird states.
- On some setups, the desktop or File Explorer cache can mess with icons. Restarting Windows Explorer can help: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find “Windows Explorer, ” right-click, and select Restart.
Creating shortcuts isn’t always straightforward, especially if Windows is being stubborn. But with these methods, you should get at least one or two to work. Just remember, shortcuts are links — they won’t move or delete the original files unless you’re not careful. And if in doubt, use the full path or browse method to make sure you’re referencing the right place.