A shortcut is a link to an item (such as a file, folder, or program) on your computer. You can create shortcuts and then place them in a convenient location, such as on the desktop or in the Favourites section of the navigation pane (the left pane) so that you can easily access the item that the shortcut links to. Shortcuts can be distinguished from the original file by the arrow that appears on the icon.


A typical file icon and the related shortcut icon:



To create a shortcut


  1. Open the location containing the item that you want to create a shortcut to.
  2. Right-click the item, and then click Create shortcut. The new shortcut appears in the same location as the original item.
  3. Drag the new shortcut to the desired location.
To delete a shortcut

Right-click the shortcut that you want to delete, click Delete, and then click Yes. If you're prompted for an administrator password, the shortcut may be for something important – contact the IT department for further information.

Note: When you delete a shortcut, only the shortcut is removed. The original item is not deleted.

To create a Desktop shortcut

On your desktop right-click on the background wallpaper then the following menu will appear.

Select New then Shortcut


The Create Shortcut menu will appear. Type in the location of the item or select browse.


Click Next. You will be asked to type a name for this shortcut


After clicking Next you will see a new folder shortcut on your desktop.