Return to Tips Directory

Making Icons for Your Desktop
By Ray Scott


 

You may have programs on your computer that you use often but do not have icons (shortcuts) on your desktop to start the program. Or perhaps you have programs that are not used often and you forget where to find them. You can easily make a shortcut on the desktop for these programs.

All computer manufacturers set up their desktops to operate a little differently so these instructions may vary a bit from computer to computer. I am writing this on an HP computer I bought last year and the instructions may even vary between models of the same manufacturer. It's not as complicated as writing about it makes it seem. Always left click the mouse unless the instructions say to 'right' click.

Right click a blank area of the desktop. A dialog box with several options will appear. Move the mouse pointer over NEW (or click on NEW) and another dialog box will open. Click on 'SHORTCUT'. In the new dialog box click on 'BROWSE'. This opens a navigation box. Go to the program folder that contains the file that starts the program. This file is an ".exe" file and will usually have an icon that represents the program. Click 'OK'. Click 'NEXT'. Click' FINISH'.

Now test your new SHORTCUT. If it works properly you’re done. If it doesn't try again. You can create as many icons of the same program on the desktop as you want until you get it right. Then drag the bad icons to the "trashcan".

Ray Scott