4 Fixes For Desktop Shortcuts Not Working on Windows 11
Afam has been a content writer with Guiding Tech Media since August 2023. However, his experience in tech writing dates back to 2018, when he worked as a freelance writer for Make Tech Easier. Over the years, he has grown a reputation for publishing quality guides, reviews, tips, and explainer articles. His work is featured on top websites, including Technical Ustad, Windows Report, and Next of Windows. He has training as a Microsoft Certified Professional and has covered more Microsoft-related guides on these platforms.
Basic Fixes:
Fix 1: Verify and Update the Shortcut Target
Shortcuts on your desktop are linked to the app files they are supposed to open. So, while the shortcut may seem perfect, if the take path for the app is inaccurate, the shortcut will not work. The simple fix is to update the path, as shown below.
Step 1:Right-click on the problematic shortcut and clickOpen file location.
Step 2:Take note of the file’s path; it is usually found on the address bar of the open File Explorer.
Step 3:Right-click the desktop shortcut again and clickProperties.
Step 4:Update theTargetfield and ensure it tallies with the file path noted earlier, then clickApplyandOK.
Fix 2: Recreate the Problematic Shortcut(s)
When the desktop shortcuts are not opening, you may face file corruption. By recreating the shortcut, you will discard the old, corrupt shortcut and create a new one. You may follow the steps below.
Step 1:Right-click on the problematic shortcut and clickOpen file location.
Step 2:Right-click on the executable file and clickShow more options.
Step 3:SelectCreate shortcutfrom the context menu.
Fix 3: Re-Register Apps
If desktop shortcuts are not working or showing on Windows, re-registering apps is effective, especially when the problem is with Microsoft Store apps. Installing an app will create registry entries that link it to essential functions like opening it from a shortcut. When re-registering the apps, you remove any corruption that may cause the error.
Step 1:Click the Search icon on the Taskbar, typePowerShell,and click theRun as administratoroption.
Step 2:Copy and paste the command below into PowerShell and hitEnter:
Fix 4: Repair Windows With the DISM Tool
If icons on the desktop are blank or not loading correctly, you may have some major corruption in the system image. On Windows 11, you can use the native DISM scan to find and fix this corruption. Follow the steps below.
Step 1:PressWindows+Rkeyboard shortcut to launch the Windows Run dialog.
Step 2:Typecmd, and hitCtrl+Shift+Enterkeyboard shortcut to launch an elevated Command Prompt.
Step 3:Type the command below and hitEnterto scan for image corruption:
Step 4:Type the command below and hitEnterto fix image corruption:
Step 5:Lastly, run the command below to initiate the SFC scan and restart your computer when the scan completes:
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Last updated on 03 September, 2024
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