- Master creating shortcuts with parameters to open apps and files with specific settings.
- Enjoy commands hidden Outlook switches and Office Add-in shortcuts for faster workflows.
- Organize and protect: Pin to the taskbar, organize the Access panel, and use OneDrive for shared shortcuts.
Create shortcuts with custom parameters allows you to launch programs, documents and system functions with specific settings, quickly and without always repeating the same steps. For example, you can open Word directly to a particular document or launch Chrome in incognito mode with a single double-click.
In this practical guide we gather everything you need in Windows 10 y Windows 11: How to create shortcuts from scratch or with Tricks how to drag and drop, use the context menu or "Send to...", how to add parameters in the "Destination" field, a list of hidden Windows commands very useful, how to pin them to the taskbar, why the arrow appears in the charms and how to remove it. In addition, we cover accesses in OneDrive, Outlook modifiers for advanced shortcuts and customization keyboards in OfficeYou'll also learn how to organize categories and groups in Access and their security implications.
What is a shortcut with parameters and when to use it?
A shortcut with parameters is a .lnk file that not only points to an application or file, but also adds arguments to its launch to modify its behavior. This is configured in the Shortcut Properties, in the "Shortcut" tab in the "Target" field (may appear as 'Target' in some interfaces).
Useful and quick examples: open Word with a specific document adding its path to the end of the executable; or opening Notepad with a specific note; or launching Steam in offline mode. For example: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\WINWORD.EXE" "C:\Usuarios\TuNombre\Documentos\propuesta.docx", Chrome in incognito mode "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --incognito o Steam Offline "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -offline.
Easy ways to create shortcuts in Windows 10 and Windows 11
- Create it by hand: On the Desktop, right-click > New > Shortcut, click 'Browse' to select the item (program, document, folder, etc.) and give it a meaningful name. This is the classic method that allows full control from the first step.
- Copy > Paste ShortcutIf you find the item, copy it (Ctrl+C or right-click > Copy) and use "Paste Shortcut" on the Desktop (or destination folder). It's very straightforward and works with programs, files, and folders.
- Drag and drop with Alt: Drag the file or program from its folder to the Desktop by holding down the key. AltYou'll see a link created; release it and you'll have access in an instant.
- Installer Assistant- Many programs allow you to select the option to create an icon on the Desktop or in the Start menu during installation. Pay attention to this step to save time and steps, and sometimes select the location.
- From the Start menu- In Windows 10, drag the app from Start to the Desktop (a "Link" box will appear). In Windows 11, open Start > All apps, drag the app until the link text appears, and release to create the charm.
- Direct access to a website: In Chrome or Firefox, drag the padlock icon in the address bar on the Desktop. This will give you a shortcut to your favorite page.
- Send to > Desktop: Locate what you want in Explorer, right-click > Send to > "Desktop (create shortcut)". This is useful for documents or files you use every day.
- From the executable: In the program folder, right-click on the .exe file > "Create shortcut". If Windows warns you that it can't create it there, it will offer you place it on the Desktop. Accept and go.
Hidden commands to create shortcuts to system functions
Windows allows you to create shortcuts internal areas of the system Using special commands. Just create a shortcut and paste the corresponding command into the "Location" field. Some very useful ones are:
- Recycle Bin:
explorer.exe shell:::{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} - Network connections:
explorer.exe shell:::{7007ACC7-3202-11D1-AAD2-00805FC1270E} - Control panel:
explorer.exe shell:::{26EE0668-A00A-44D7-9371-BEB064C98683} - God Mode (all tasks):
explorer.exe shell:::{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C} - Management tools:
explorer.exe shell:::{D20EA4E1-3957-11d2-A40B-0C5020524153} - Advanced Account Options:
explorer.exe shell:::{7A9D77BD-5403-11d2-8785-2E0420524153} - This team:
explorer.exe shell:::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D} - Desktop view:
explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90D-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257} - Recent folders:
explorer.exe shell:::{22877a6d-37a1-461a-91b0-dbda5aaebc99} - Energy options:
explorer.exe shell:::{025A5937-A6BE-4686-A844-36FE4BEC8B6D} - Notification Center:
explorer.exe shell:::{05d7b0f4-2121-4eff-bf6b-ed3f69b894d9} - Whole network:
explorer.exe shell:::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D} - Windows firewall:
explorer.exe shell:::{4026492F-2F69-46B8-B9BF-5654FC07E423} - My Documents:
explorer.exe shell:::{450D8FBA-AD25-11D0-98A8-0800361B1103} - Wi-Fi network settings:
explorer.exe shell:::{1FA9085F-25A2-489B-85D4-86326EEDCD87} - Backup and restore:
explorer.exe shell:::{B98A2BEA-7D42-4558-8BD1-832F41BAC6FD} - Devices and printers:
explorer.exe shell:::{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A} - Bluetooth devices:
explorer.exe shell:::{28803F59-3A75-4058-995F-4EE5503B023C}
You can also create special folders with names like Administrador.{D20EA4E1-3957-11d2-A40B-0C5020524153}, Bluetooth.{28803F59-3A75-4058-995F-4EE5503B023C}, Personalización.{ED834ED6-4B5A-4bfe-8F11-A626DCB6A921}, etc., to quickly access settings using only the text visible before the period. For practical examples on how to modify existing shortcuts, see our article on Properties of a shortcut in Windows.
Customizing behavior: parameters in the 'Target'
Once the shortcut is created, open its Properties, in the "Shortcut" tab edit 'Destination' adding parameters at the end of the field. This automates tasks: opening applications in specific modes or with automatically selected files.
Practical examples: Chrome Incognito "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --incognito; Steam Offline "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -offline; Notepad with file notepad.exe "C:\Usuarios\Nombre\Documentos\nota.txt"; or Word with a document "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\WINWORD.EXE" "C:\Ruta\al\documento.docx"For more examples, check out our guide at Customize shortcuts and taskbar in Windows 11.
Pin to taskbar and keep things tidy
Click on charms on the taskbar It makes it easier to access and prevents desktop clutter. In Windows 10, drag the charm directly to the taskbar. In Windows 11, right-click the app or charm and select "Pin to taskbar"; to remove it, right-click and select "Unpin from taskbar."
Why shortcuts show an arrow and how to remove it
La superimposed arrow distinguishes a shortcut from the original executable to avoid errors when moving or deleting critical files. If you want to remove it, you can modify the Registry (always with caution and backup). First, open regedit, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer, create the key Shell Icons, within a String value with name 29 and value %windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-50. Then, restart your computer to apply the changes. To learn more about how to remove the arrow from icons, visit our article on Remove the arrow on the icons.
OneDrive shortcuts: shared folders and documents
If you use OneDrive, you can add shortcuts to shared folders from the Share option > Shared with me > "Add a shortcut to My Files" (or right-click on the folder). This makes the folder available as if it were your own. To create shortcuts to Word documents in OneDrive, check out our guide on Create direct links to files in Word and OneDrive.
Advanced shortcuts in Outlook with command-line switches
Outlook supports command line switches Ideal for opening specific views, creating items, or troubleshooting errors. Just create a shortcut to outlook.exe and add the appropriate modifier:
- /a: To create an item with an attachment, for example:
/a archivo.pdf. If not indicated, assume a note (IPM.Note). - /altvba: opens a specific VBA project instead of the usual one (you can use otmfilename).
- /c: creates a new element of the indicated class, such as
/c ipm.activityfor daily,/c ipm.appointmentfor appointment,/c ipm.contactfor contact, etc. - /checkclient: asks to choose the default client in Outlook.
- /cleanautocompletecache: clears the autocomplete list.
- /cleancategories: Removes custom categories and restores default ones.
Custom shortcuts in Office add-ins
For Excel and Word on the web, Windows and Mac, Can create your own keyboard shortcuts in your accessories. You only need one shared execution environment, declare your actions and associate them with Office.actions.associateTo manage these shortcuts, check out our tutorial on creating shortcuts in Office.
Organize categories and groups in the Access Navigation Pane
To manage databases in Access, plan navigation with users in mind: creates categories (for example, "Reports") and divides into groups such as Daily, Weekly, Quarterly, etc., to make searching easier. For advanced customization techniques, see our article on .
Access Security: Limits and Best Practices
Modify the navigation panel it is not a security methodMalicious users can disable macros by pressing Shift at startup, reveal hidden elements, or duplicate objects. It's advisable to complement this with measures such as database trust and password protection when necessary.
Note on cookie notices on the website
Some pages, like Reddit, show a cookie notice To manage consent. Although it doesn't affect technical processes, it's a good idea to accept or configure your preferences to access all content.
Control the creation of shortcuts with parameters he brings you speed and precision: Open Word with specific documents, access hidden functions, automate Outlook with specific commands, and even offer custom keyboards in Office. With these techniques, by properly organizing your shortcuts and respecting security in Access and OneDrive, your workflow will be more efficient and organized without losing control.
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