Shortcuts are a great way to quickly access programs, files, folders, and web pages. While we already have a page on how to create desktop shortcuts, making a shortcut for Microsoft Edge is a bit more tricky. The following steps show you how to put a shortcut on your desktop that opens the Microsoft Edge Internet browser.

Steps to create a Microsoft Edge desktop shortcut

  • Right-click an empty area on the Windows desktop and select New in the drop-down menu that appears.

  • Under New, select the Shortcut option.

  • In the Type the location of the item text field (A), enter the following text.

%windir%\explorer.exe shell:Appsfolder\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe!MicrosoftEdge

  • Click the Next button (B).

Instead of typing in the string above, you can copy and paste it to save time.

  • Choose a name for your new shortcut icon (A), then click the Finish button (B).

  • Locate and right-click the new shortcut icon on your desktop and select Properties from the drop-down menu that appears.

  • Near the middle of the Properties window, click the button.

  • On the Change Icon window, in the Look for icons in this file text field (A), enter the following text.

%windir%\SystemApps\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe\MicrosoftEdge.exe

  • Click the OK button (B).

  • Click the OK button again to select the displayed icon.

  • Back on the Properties window, at the bottom, click the Apply button, then click the OK button.

You should now see a Microsoft Edge shortcut on your desktop with the Microsoft Edge icon to match it.

  • How to create a Windows shortcut.
  • Add shortcuts to the desktop with a drag and a drop.
  • Create desktop shortcuts to your favorite web pages.
  • See the shortcut definition for further information and related links.
  • Microsoft Windows help and support.
  • Internet browser help and support.