Desktop Shortcuts in Windows 8

Wow, I really wish I didn't just read all of that.  This is 2 ways to create an internet explorer shortcut on the Windows 8 desktop without installing 3rd party software.  Use the first way if you go to the desktop and there is no Internet Explorer icon on the taskbar (row at the bottom of the screen).  Use the second method if you go to the desktop and there is an Internet Explorer icon on the taskbar.

Method 1:

1.  Go to the desktop.  To get there from the start screen click the tile that says "Desktop".

2.  Right click where you want the shortcut.

3.  Put the arrow on "New".

4.  From the menu that shows up click "Shortcut".

5.  Click "Browse".

6.  Click "Computer".

7.  Click "OS (C:)".

8.  Click "Program Files".

9.  Click "Internet Explorer".

10.  Click "iexplore" so it is highlighted and then click "ok".

11.  Click "Next".

12.  Type a new name or leave it as "iexplore" (this is the name that will appear on the desktop).

13.  Click "Finish".

The shortcut should show up on your desktop.

Method 2:

1.  Go to the desktop.  To get there from the start screen click the tile that says "Desktop".

2.  Right click on the Internet Explorer Icon in the taskbar.

3.  From the list that comes up right click on "Internet Explorer".

4.  Click "Properties".

5.  Click the "Shortcut" tab.

6.  Click "Open File Location".

7.  Right click "iexplore".

8.  Click "Create Shortcut".

9.  Click "Yes".

That sends a shortcut to the desktop.  Close the open windows by clicking "x".

Excellent explanation above. Be sure you are RIGHT-CLICKING where instructed.

Here is a way to mimic the Windows 7 method of clicking on Start > Programs and being able to find all of the installed programs such as Excel, Notepad, and other installed PROGRAMS but NOT APPS such as the Facebook app you may have installed.  Think Windows 8 apps the same way as the ones you'd download for you iPhone.

In Windows 8 get to your more classic Windows 7 desktop by looking for the tile titled DESKTOP on the first screen you likely see when logging on.

Right click on the Windodws 7 looking desktop and choose create a new shortcut.  Paste in this as the path:    "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs" 

Then you will have easy access to all the installed programs and from there you can right-click on any of the programs  found there and choose Send To Desktop - Create Shortcut.

Other items such as Internet Explorer are stored in  a different location.  The proper shortcut for that is "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe"

Creating a Control Panel shortcut will help as well.  The path is C:\Windows\System32\control.exe Panel\All Control Panel Items

In Control Panel you will find Mail.  This may be what you are looking for to use Outlook with let's say a Gmail account.  Then you can create a shortcut using the first shortcut I describe for All Programs and browsing to Outlook, right click and send a shortcut to the desktop.

If you don't have Outlook please read this article:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2023005/answer-line-how-do-i-get-pop-email-in-windows-8.html

Really if after 30 years of using windows I have to go to forum to figure out how to populate my desktop with shortcuts  something is already very wrong. 

For me to find it is something I will not be able to explain to my dad over the phone means MSFT released a product that simply does not work for much of its existing user base.

How do I tell my dad it is safe to go in the water when I see users being swallowed whole and their feet hardly wet. 

  I always say avoid putting customers in a position where it is easy to say "no". Right now for many millions they are being faced with a choice.

1 learn a new Win OS that is getting bad press.

OR

2  Spend a little and try that Apple OS that everyone seems like.

Win8 had one job.

Just one job.