Desktop Shortcuts

How to Create a Desktop Shortcut

To create a shortcut, locate the desired file, folder or program, right-click on it, select "Send To", then select "Desktop (create shortcut)".

Shows how to create a desktop shortcut.

This results in a shortcut being created on the desktop. You can tell it's a shortcut (i.e. a link to the program rather than the actual program itself) by the arrow in the bottom left-hand corner of the icon.

Shows a desktop shortcut.

How to Delete a Desktop Shortcut

There are two easy ways to do this:

  • Position the cursor over the shortcut, press and hold the left mouse button, drag the shortcut to the Recycle Bin, and then release the button.
  • Right-click on the shortcut, and select "Delete" from the pop-up menu.

In both cases, a window will pop up asking you to confirm deletion of the shortcut.

Shows how to delete a desktop shortcut.

Note that deleting the shortcut only removes the link to it – it does not delete the actual file, folder or program.

How to Tidy/Organize/Cleanup Desktop Shortcuts

If you put the cursor over a shortcut and press and hold the left mouse button, you can drag it anywhere on the screen. This allows you to arrange your shortcuts any way you want.

Alternatively, if you want your computer to arrange them for you, right-click on the desktop background, select "View", and then select "Auto Arrange". Note that on this same menu you can also change the size of the icons used for shortcuts.

Shows how to auto arrange desktop shortcuts.

In Windows XP there was also a wizard which removed unused shortcuts, but unfortunately this no longer exists in Vista.

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