Ever get fed up having to go to the START menu, then All Programs, then find the right folder and finally get the program you wanted? Ever wanted a faster way to access a program you use regularily? Well you can and it’s very easy.

Here I’ll show you how to create a shortcut to a program on your desktop.

  • Okay, firstly make sure any programs you have open are minimised so that you can see your desktop.
  • Next click on the START button and go into the ‘All Programs’ menu
  • Find the program that you want to create a shortcut to
  • Next with your mouse on the item right click and drag the program item to your desktop
  • Release the mouse button and a small menu will appear. Select ‘Copy here’
  • An icon with the programs name should appear on your desktop.

If this didn’t work you can try the following. Depending on your version of Windows you may have to do this another way.

  • As before find the program in your START menu
  • Right click on the program and select COPY
  • Now go to your Desktop and right click on an empty area
  • Select Paste

If neither of these methods worked you may be using a restricted account, so check with owner of the computer to create the shortcut for you.

If you are running Windows XP there is an even easier way.

  • Find the program you are after in the START menu
  • Right click on it and go to the ‘Send To’ menu and select ‘Desktop (create shortcut)’

And you’re done!