Shortcuts

A shortcut is a quick way to get somewhere. On your computer, a shortcut is a quick way to open a file, folder, or program without having to open many folders and subfolders. If your pictures are in folders within folders, or if you need to open the same folder or file repeatedly, create a shortcut on your desktop to get to your work quickly. You can delete the shortcut when you no longer need it.

A shortcut and the actual file or folder can have the same name. You can tell the difference between a shortcut and a file, folder, or program by the arrow in the bottom left corner of the shortcut.

Create a Shortcut

Click here to see an animated version of this procedure.

1. Find the folder or file to which you would like to create a shortcut.

2. You can do this using Windows Explorer or by drilling down through your disk drive or hard drive using My Computer.

3. Point to the folder or file, and click the right mouse button.

4. A menu appears.

5. Click Create Shortcut.

6. 

   A shortcut appears in the folder or window that contains the original file or folder.

   

7. Click the shortcut icon and while holding down the mouse button, drag the icon from its current place to the desktop.

8. If you are using Windows Explorer, drag the shortcut icon on top of the Desktop icon in the left windowpane.

   As you drag the mouse, a faint version of the folder appears on the screen.

   

9. Release the mouse button.

10. The shortcut appears on the desktop. You may rename the shortcut the same way you rename a folder or file.

    

11. Double-click the shortcut icon to open the file or folder.

12. 

Delete a Shortcut

If you no longer need a shortcut, delete it the following way:

1. Right-click the shortcut you want to delete.

2. A shortcut menu appears.

3. Click Delete.

4. 

5. To delete the shortcut, click Yes in the Confirm File Delete window.

6. The shortcut is now in your Recycle Bin.