How to Create a Desktop Shortcut in Windows 10

You can create a desktop shortcut in Windows 10 without moving the original file, folder, or app. The fastest method depends on what you want to open: use Send to > Desktop (create shortcut) for files and folders, drag an app from Start to the desktop, or use New > Shortcut when you want to enter a path, URL, or command manually.

A shortcut is only a pointer to its target. Deleting the shortcut normally does not delete the original file, folder, or installed app. Microsoft documents these shortcut methods in its Windows desktop icon and shortcut guidance.

Windows 10 note: Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 PCs can still run, but Microsoft no longer provides free security updates or technical support for standard installations. See Microsoft's Windows 10 end-of-support information for current support options.

How to create a desktop shortcut for a file

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Browse to the file you use frequently.
3. Right-click the file.
4. Select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

The new icon appears on the desktop and opens the original file from its existing location. You can rename the shortcut without renaming the source file.

How to create a desktop shortcut for a folder

1. Open File Explorer and find the folder.
2. Right-click the folder.
3. Choose Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

This is useful for folders that are buried several levels deep. The folder stays where it is; only a shortcut is added to the desktop.

How to create a desktop shortcut for an app

For many traditional desktop apps, Windows 10 can create a shortcut directly from the Start menu:

1. Select Start.
2. Find the app in the alphabetical apps list.
3. Left-click and hold the app, then drag it to an empty area of the desktop.
4. Release the mouse button to create the shortcut.

If dragging does not work for a particular app, use the custom shortcut method below and point the wizard to the program's executable file.

Create a custom shortcut with New > Shortcut

The Shortcut wizard is the most flexible option because you can type or browse to a target yourself.

1. Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
2. Select New > Shortcut.
3. In Type the location of the item, enter a valid file path, folder path, URL, executable, or supported command. You can also select Browse to locate a file or folder.
4. Select Next.
5. Enter a name, then select Finish.

For example, %windir%\System32\notepad.exe creates a shortcut that opens Notepad. If you use a command instead of a normal file path, make sure you understand what the command does before saving or running it.

Create a desktop shortcut to a website

Microsoft also documents a quick browser method: open the website, then drag the site-information icon next to the address bar onto the desktop. Depending on the browser version, that icon may look like a padlock or site-controls symbol. You can also use New > Shortcut and paste the full https:// address.

What to do if the shortcut option is missing

If you do not see the expected command, try the method that matches the problem:

• No Send to menu: use New > Shortcut, then browse to the file or folder.
• An app will not drag from Start: create a custom shortcut to its executable, if you know the executable location.
• Desktop shortcuts seem to disappear: right-click the desktop, open View, and make sure Show desktop icons is enabled.
• The shortcut no longer opens its target: the original item may have been moved, renamed, removed, or become unavailable. Re-create the shortcut using the target's current location.

Can you safely delete a desktop shortcut?

Yes. In normal use, deleting a Windows shortcut removes the shortcut itself, not the item it points to. You can confirm that an icon is a shortcut by looking for the small shortcut-arrow overlay or by right-clicking it and opening Properties. If you are unsure whether an icon is a real file or a shortcut, check its properties before deleting it.