Introduction

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Add shortcuts

Shortcuts

A shortcut offers a way of performing a task more quickly, such as starting a program or accessing a document. The shortcut icon has a small arrow in the left corner to help you distinguish it from the actual icon that represents programs and files.

The icon above is a desktop shortcut for the Things to Do document, which is actually stored in this particular user's My Documents folder.

Adding a shortcut

In this lesson, you will learn three ways to create a shortcut. Choose the one that works best for you.

To add a shortcut to the desktop using Windows Explorer:

• In the right pane of Windows Explorer, click the file, program, or folder for which you want to make a shortcut. The item darkens when you select it.
• Choose FileCreate Shortcut.

• Hover the mouse pointer over the shortcut icon, hold down the left mouse button, and drag the shortcut onto desktop (in the left pane).
• The word Desktop will darken when you drag the icon over it.
• Release the left mouse button, and a shortcut is moved to the desktop.

Adding a shortcut using the keyboard, mouse, and Windows Explorer

Pointing and dragging with your mouse is one way to add a shortcut. You can also use your keyboard and drag an icon to create a shortcut in Windows Explorer.

To add a shortcut using your keyboard and mouse:

• Press Ctrl+Shift while dragging the file.
• When you have dragged it onto the desktop (in the left pane), release it and choose Create Shortcut(s) Here.

Right-clicking to add a shortcut

One shortcut creation method works in both My Computer and Windows Explorer. This method requires you to right-click.

To add a shortcut by right-clicking:

• In either My Computer or Windows Explorer, right-click the file or folder for which you want to make a desktop shortcut.
• A pop-up menu appears.
• Choose Send To Desktop (create shortcut).

Challenge!

• Add a shortcut for your Shopping List to your desktop. First, double-click the My Documents icon.
• When the folder opens, make sure it is not maximized.
• Hover the mouse button over the Shopping List, and hold down the right mouse button.
• Drag the Shopping List icon to your desktop.
• Choose Create Shortcut Here when the pop-up menu appears.