The Ultimate Guide to Shortcut Properties in Windows: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever felt like your Windows desktop is full of icons and wondered what each shortcut actually does? If you've ever taken the time to explore a shortcut's properties, you've probably noticed that there's much more to that simple arrow icon that's been with us for years. Shortcuts in Windows are much more than simple shortcuts: they allow customization, workflow optimization and even small productivity tricks that very few people know about..

In this comprehensive guide you will discover from start to finish everything about the properties of a shortcut in WindowsWe'll review everything from the basic theory of what a shortcut is, how to create one, what each of its advanced properties does, how they work on a technical level, to ways to customize them and little-known tricks. This article is for you if you want to master the art of having a functional and tidy desk..

What is a shortcut in Windows?

A shortcut in Windows is a special file that acts as a bridge between the user and another file, folder, program, or even a system function.These files primarily use the .lnk extension for local files and folders, while the .url extension is used for shortcuts to web pages or remote locations.

Visually, Windows differentiates these shortcuts from the rest of the files by means of a small arrow in the lower left corner of its icon.. This way, you can easily distinguish which icons are shortcuts and which are actual files or applications. Interestingly, although the .lnk extension is associated with this type of file, Windows hides it even when you enable the option to show known extensions, thanks to an internal setting in the system registry.

What are shortcuts for, then? Its main purpose is to facilitate quick access to programs, documents, folders or resources without having to navigate long routes.They also allow you to customize the launch mode, configure advanced settings, assign hotkeys, and much more. They are undoubtedly essential tools for maintaining productivity and organization in Windows.

A brief history and inner workings of shortcuts

Shortcuts have been around since Windows 95 and have evolved considerably.They emerged as "shell links," managed by Windows Explorer rather than directly by the file system, which limits their interchangeability with real files.

Internally, .lnk files store more than just the path: include data such as unique identifiers, runtime parameters, custom icons, working directories, hotkeys, and commentsThis allows, for example, them to locate the destination even if it moves, thanks to services like Distributed Link Tracking. They also offer different behaviors upon launch, such as launching in minimized or maximized mode.

The flexibility of shortcuts remains useful today, despite technologies such as symbolic links and virtualization..

Shortcut file types and extensions

Shortcuts may vary depending on your destination.:

• .lnk: The most common format for local files, folders, or applications.
• .url: Links to web pages, to open specific sites in the browser.
• .cda: For audio tracks on CDs, although this is rare these days.

The .lnk format is optimized for Windows and is managed by the shell, so other platforms require specific utilities to interpret it. The .url format, on the other hand, can be opened directly in browsers.

How to Create a Shortcut in Windows: Top Methods

Creating shortcuts is easy, but there are several methods you'll want to know to save time and customize your Windows experience.

Classic method: From the desktop

1. Right-click on an empty area of ​​the desktop and select “New” > “Shortcut.”

In the wizard, you will need to indicate the path of the file, folder or programYou can use the "Browse" button to make your selection easier.

Then, assign a name to the shortcut and click “Finish.”> The shortcut will appear on your desktop.

Drag and drop with Alt

The quick way is Drag a file or program from another location to the desktop by holding down the Alt key. When you release, Windows automatically creates a shortcut in that location.

Context Menu: Copy and Paste Shortcut

Another practical option is Right-click on the file or item, choose "Copy," and in the destination, right-click and select "Paste Shortcut.".

From the start menu

In Windows 10, you can drag the application from the start menu to the desktop. In Windows 11, use “More > Open file location,” and from there copy the shortcut to the location of your choice.

From installation wizards

Many programs include in their process the option of Automatically create shortcuts on the desktop or start menuYou just need to select that option during installation.

Special commands and specific routes

Windows allows you to create shortcuts that run hidden functions or commands, such as the Recycle Bin or Control Panel. Simply specify the corresponding command in the shortcut location.. Example: explorer.exe shell:::{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} for the Trash.

Shortcut Properties: The Heart of Personalization

Right-clicking on a shortcut and selecting "Properties" opens a panel with multiple options for modifying its behavior and appearance..

• Destination: Path of the file, program or resource to which it points, with the possibility of including parameters.
• Start in: Folder from which the program is run, important for certain cases.
• Shortcut key: Allows you to assign a keyboard shortcut to open it quickly.
• Run: Defines whether it opens in a normal, minimized or maximized window.
• Change icon: Customize the icon using .ico files or system icons.
• Comment: Add notes that will appear as a tooltip.

Some versions of Windows support additional fields and advanced settings for these shortcuts..

Advanced Properties and Internal Storage

Shortcuts, especially web shortcuts (.url), store properties accessible via programmingSome important technical fields are:

• PID_IS_URL: URL of the resource.
• PID_IS_NAME: Shortcut name.
• PID_IS_WORKINGDIR: Working directory.
• PID_IS_HOTKEY: Hotkey.
• PID_IS_SHOWCMD: Display command.
• PID_IS_ICONINDEX y PID_IS_ICONFILE: Icon and its location.
• PID_IS_DESCRIPTION y PID_IS_COMMENT: Comments and description.
• PID_IS_AUTHOR: Shortcut author.

This data helps with advanced administration and development tasks by showing the complexity behind shortcuts.

Personalization: How to change the icon and other visible properties

Modifying shortcuts to make them easier to identify and use is very simple.. You just have to follow these steps:

1. Right click and select “Properties”.
2. In the Direct access, click on Change icon.
3. Choose a default icon or browse for a custom .ico file.
4. Click on Accept to apply.

You can also modify the name, hotkeys, or comment for greater customization and efficiency.

Hidden commands and shortcuts to special Windows functions

With these methods, you can create shortcuts to system functions that are usually hidden.. You just need to specify the corresponding command in the location field, such as:

• explorer.exe shell:::{26EE0668-A00A-44D7-9371-BEB064C98683} - Control Panel
• explorer.exe shell:::{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} — Recycle Bin
• explorer.exe shell:::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D} — My PC o This team
• explorer.exe shell:::{A8A91A66-3A7D-4424-8D24-04E180695C7A} — Devices and printers
• explorer.exe shell:::{28803F59-3A75-4058-995F-4EE5503B023C} — Bluetooth devices

These commands make it easy to quickly access hidden functions or menus with a single click..

Differences between shortcuts, symbolic links, and hard links

If you've worked on other systems, you'll be familiar with symbolic and hard links. In Windows, shortcuts (.lnk) are standalone files managed via the shell, while symbolic and hard links are at the file system level. NTFS.

• Shortcut (.lnk): Explorer-managed file, with rich, customizable properties.
• Symbolic link: A reference to another file or folder at the system level, which is followed as if it were the original.
• Hard link: Same file with different names in the same location, limited to files and not folders.

The key difference is that shortcuts are more visual, easy to modify, and secure, while symbolic and hard links are more powerful but require advanced permissions and technical knowledge..

Shortcuts on other operating systems

En Linux, the files .desktop They perform the function of Windows shortcuts, allowing references to applications and files, with custom icons and commands.

On macOS, the alias They are equivalents that store dynamic references and continue to work if the destination is moved, unlike .lnk files which can break.

What happens if you move or delete the destination file?

If you move the original file or program, the shortcut may break and stop working.. Windows will attempt to automatically repair it in some cases, but if you delete the original item, the shortcut is no longer in effect, although the file itself remains intact.

You can create as many shortcuts as you want without affecting the original files.

Edit and customize shortcuts for advanced functions

The true power of a shortcut lies in its ability to accept parameters, modify behaviors, and automate tasks.You can edit the "Target" field to include commands, for example:

Examples:

• OPEN Google Chrome in incognito mode: "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --incognito
• Run Steam in offline mode: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -offline
• Open a specific file with Notepad: notepad.exe "C:\Usuarios\Nombre\Documentos\nota.txt"

In modern applications, you can also edit configuration files to customize parameters and work paths.

Why do shortcuts have an arrow?

The arrow on the shortcut icon helps distinguish it from the original file or applicationTo remove it, edit the registry at:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons

Add the value key "29" that points to %windir%/System32/shell32.dll,-50 and reboot. Keep in mind that removing the arrow can cause confusion between shortcuts and actual files, so it's recommended to do this only if you're sure.

How to pin shortcuts to the taskbar and other menus

To have quick access on the taskbar:

• In Windows 10, drag the shortcut to the bar.
• In Windows 11, right-click on the charm and select "Pin to taskbar."
• To unpin, right click and “Unpin from bar.”

Shortcuts to web pages and Internet resources

Creating website shortcuts is useful for quickly accessing your favorites.Simply drag the lock icon from the browser URL to your desktop, or create a new one by specifying the URL as the shortcut location.

Create shortcuts to control panel functions and other utilities

To open specific system functions quickly, create a new shortcut and in the location type commands like:

• %windir%\System32\control.exe for the Control Panel.
• CLSID commands for functions such as connections, power, devices.

Shortcuts on networks and printers

Not only files or programs, you can also create shortcuts to printers and shared resources. Find the resource, right-click, and select "Create Shortcut."

Useful keyboard shortcuts in property boxes

Windows supports keyboard shortcuts to speed up shortcut management:

• Alt + Enter: Opens or closes properties.
• Ctrl + Alt + Enter: Tools inside the box.
• Ctrl + End/Home: Last or first tab.
• Ctrl + Page Down/Page Up: Navigate between tabs.
• Tab/Shift + Tab: Navigate between options.
• Enter/Esc: Confirm or cancel.

These shortcuts make advanced shortcut editing easier, especially for users who prefer to use the keyboard.

Creating shortcuts from scripts or for developers

Advanced users can create and modify shortcuts using PowerShell or programming, using interfaces like IShellLink. This allows for automating deployments and tasks in enterprise environments.

Maintenance and cleaning of shortcuts

With There, accumulating shortcuts can create clutter on the desktop and menusTo maintain a tidy environment, delete unused items, group them into folders, use the taskbar, and review them periodically.

A well-managed desktop increases productivity and makes it easier to navigate Windows.. Master the properties and shortcut management Not only does it allow you to be more efficient, but it also opens the door to advanced customizations and automations that will enhance your computing experience.