A shortcut is a link to an item (such as a file, folder, or program) on your computer. You can create shortcuts and then place them in a convenient location, such as on the desktop or in the Favorites section of the navigation pane (the left pane), so that you can easily access the item that the shortcut links to. Shortcuts can be distinguished from the original file by the arrow that appears on the icon.
A typical file icon and the related shortcut iconTo create a shortcut
- Open the location containing the item that you want to create a shortcut to.
- Right-click the item, and then click Create shortcut. The new shortcut appears in the same location as the original item.
- Drag the new shortcut to the desired location.
Tips
- If the shortcut links to a folder, you can drag it to the Favorites section in the left pane to create a favorite link.
- Another way to create a shortcut is to drag the icon on the left side of the address bar (located at the top of any folder window) to a location, such as the Desktop. This is a quick way to create a shortcut to the folder that you currently have open.
- You can also create a shortcut to a website by dragging the icon on the left side of the address bar in your web browser to a location, such as the desktop.
To delete a shortcut
- Right-click the shortcut that you want to delete, click Delete, and then click Yes.
If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Note
When you delete a shortcut, only the shortcut is removed. The original item is not deleted.
