To create a desktop shortcut to a file, first, locate the file somewhere in File Explorer. How to Create a Shortcut to a File or Folder Windows 10 won’t let you drag and drop anything from the search results. Note that you can’t search for the application by name in the Start menu. Release the mouse button to create a link to the program, also known as a desktop shortcut. You’ll see the word “Link” appear when you’re hovering over the desktop. Once you’ve found it, drag and drop the application’s shortcut from your Start menu to your desktop. If it’s in the tiles list at the right side of the menu, you can also drag it from there. Look for the application you want to use by scrolling through the Apps list at the left side of the menu. To do this the easy way, open Windows 10’s Start menu. How to Create a Shortcut to an Application