Create a Desktop Shortcut that Opens the Favorites Folder

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated October 4, 2021)

Shortcuts in Windows 10 are a quick way to open or launch a specific item on your computer. We have shared many articles talking about shortcuts, from creating a shortcut to understanding them. As discussed in those articles, it is not only easy to create a shortcut; it is also conducive if you have apps or other items that you frequently use and open often. As you begin using shortcuts more regularly, you will find more items for which a shortcut might be helpful. One such shortcut is a shortcut that would open your Favorites folder.

While creating a shortcut is easy, the more difficult part is targeting a specific location such as what many users know as "special folders"; these are folders such as the Recycle Bin. Let's take a look at how to create a shortcut to the Favorites folder.

  1. Right-click on an empty area on the desktop. This will display a menu.Ê
  2. Hover the mouse over "New," then select "Shortcut" from the expanded secondary menu. This launches the Create Shortcut wizard.
  3. In the location window, paste the following path, then click the Next button.
    4. %windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{323CA680-C24D-4099-B94D-446DD2D7249E}
  4. After you click Next, the next screen prompts you to enter the name you prefer for the shortcut. Enter whatever name you desire, such as "Favorites."
  5. Press the Finish button. Windows closes the Create Shortcut wizard and creates the shortcut on the desktop with the name you specified in step 4.

Once you have created the shortcut, you can then if you want to customize the link a bit more. Two things you can modify on the shortcut is adding a shortcut key or changing the icon. Now with your shortcut to the Favorites folder, you can start saving a bit of time in jumping to the folder faster.

 This tip (11309) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

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