Pin file, folder, website shortcut to Start Menu in Windows 10

The Windows 10 Start Menu is supercharged and lets you do a lot more. Not only can you pin any system setting to the Start, but the operating system also offers you several ways to customize the Start Menu. While you can easily pin to Start, a folder, you are not offered to pin any file to the Start Menu. In this post, we will learn how to Pin any file, folder, website shortcut to Start Menu in Windows 10.

Pin file to Start Menu in Windows 10

To add Pin to Start to the context menu for a file, you will have to modify the Windows Registry. But first, create a system restore point!

Now, to add Pin to Start easily, copy-paste the following in a Notepad and save it as a .reg file:

Now click on the .reg file to add its contents to your registry. You will be asked for confirmation, so you may click Yes, to add it.

Now right-click on any file and see. You will see Pin to Start context menu item.

Selecting it will pin the file to your Windows 10 Start Menu. If you do not see it right away, you may see it after you restart. For some strange reason, I need to restart my PC most of the times to see anything pinned to the Start to appear.

To remove this Pin to Start item , Run regedit and delete this key:

You may also download this ready-to-use .reg files I created. It lets you add Pin to Start and remove it from your file context menu. We will soon be adding this tweak to our Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4 too.

If you do not want to touch the Windows Registry, there is a workaround to get this done.

Place a shortcut in the following ‘Hidden’ folder:

Now open Start Menu > All apps and locate the shortcut you placed. Right-click on it and select Pin to Start.

Pin a folder to Start in Windows 10

Pinning a Folder to Windows 10 Start is easy, the operating system already offers this context menu item. Right-click on any folder and you will see Pin to Start. Click on it to pin the folder to Start.

Pin a website shortcut to Windows 10 Start

You can also pin a website shortcut to Windows 10 Start. Open the desktop version on Internet Explorer and press Alt+T to open Tools. Select Add site to Apps.

Now open your Start Screen and go to the All Apps view by clicking on the “down” arrow at the bottom left side of the start screen. You will see your website app created.

Right-click the website icon and from the bottom menu, select Pin to Start. Else drag-and-drop it on to the Start Menu. You will now see the website tile pinned to your Windows 10 Start Menu.

If you need more details, then this post will show you how to pin or unpin website tile or shortcut to/from Start.

Edge browser makes things easier. Open Edge and browse to the website. Now click on More actions and select Pin to Start.

If you are a Firefox, Chrome, or Opera user, you may need to follow the workaround I suggested for pinning files. Open the website in your favorite browser, create its web shortcut on your desktop and then place it in the following hidden folder:

To quickly access this folder open Run and type shell:programs and hit Enter.

Now open Start > All apps, and locate the shortcut you placed. Right-click on it and select Pin to Start.

Date: September 1, 2018 Tags: Files, Start Menu

How to add app shortcuts to the Start menu manually on Windows 10

On Windows 10, as part of the installation process, apps usually add a shortcut or folder in the Start menu to make easier to open them. However, some apps are not capable of registering themselves to appear in the «All apps» list, such as portable and very old apps.

If you have an app that doesn’t have a shortcut in this list, it’s possible to create a shortcut to quickly find and open the app using the Start menu.

In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the easy steps to add an app entry to the All apps list manually.

How to add an app to the Start menu’s All apps list

Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.

Type the following path and click OK:

Select Create shortcuts here from the context menu.

Right-click the shortcut, select Rename, and name the shortcut exactly how you want it to appear in the All apps list.

Repeat the steps for all the apps you want to add to the list.

Restart your computer to apply the changes in the Start menu.

Once you’ve completed the steps, simply open the Start menu and the list will now show the new app shortcut.

You can also use these instructions to create shortcuts for apps that create folders with a bunch of links (e.g., Apple’s iTunes and 7-Zip). This way you can click the letter at the top of the group to use the index to quickly jump to the app without having to drill-down through the folder to open it.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

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How can I add shortcuts to the Windows 10 start menu?

I create a shortcut on the desktop and would like to put it on the start menu.

Please advice how to do it on windows 10.

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Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I understand your inconvenience. We will assist you with it.

Follow the steps to pin the folder in start menu.

1. Right click on the folder/shortcut created.
2. Click on Pin to start option.

Your folder/shortcut created will be add in start page.

Hope it helps. Do let us know if your issue is resolved. For any further information, feel free to contact us.

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Thanks for your help however the «Pin to start» on the file that I saved on my desktop is not available.

I use the «Remote desktop connection» and saved the connection with all the connection details as file on my desktop.

In windows 7 I just drag it to the start menu and it show on it.

Please advice how to do it on my rdp file.

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I have the same issue. Want to pin a saved RDP profile to the start menu but cannot see an obvious way to do so.

The answer above does not help.

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Thank you for being part of the Windows 10 family.

There is some features through which you can customize Start menu.

Change how the Start menu works:

To change Start menu settings, right-click a blank area of the Start menu and choose «Properties.» The Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window will appear. From here, you can navigate to the Start tab and switch to the Start screen and configure various Start menu features.

Get back to us if you need any further assistance on Windows related issues and we will be glad to help.

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Thank you for being part of the Windows 10 family.

Sorry for inconvenience, But there is some features through which you can customize Start menu.

Change how the Start menu works:

To change Start menu settings, right-click a blank area of the Start menu and choose «Properties.» The Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window will appear. From here, you can navigate to the Start tab and switch to the Start screen and configure various Start menu features.

Get back to us if you need any further assistance on Windows related issues and we will be glad to help.

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Windows shortcut start menu

Win , then type e.g. command , then hit Enter

Start Windows Command Prompt via Start Menu. Searches from installed applications.

Win + R then type e.g. cmd , then hit Enter

Start Windows Command Prompt via Start Menu R un Command. Needs exact applications name.

Win + R , type cmd , press Ctrl + Shift + Enter

Start Command Prompt as Administrator

Win + R , type control , Enter

Access Control Panel via the R un command; or any other application

Win + R then type e.g. control printers , then hit Enter

Access Classic Printer Settings via Control Panel

Win + R then type e.g. ms-settings: , then hit Enter

Access new Windows Settings Menu (or press Win + I )

Win + R then type e.g. ms-settings: display , then hit Enter

Access Windows Settings for Display (or Win + I , then type, then hit Enter )

2. Run Commands — Folder Locations

Win + R , then documents

Open Documents Folder

Win + R , then videos

Open Videos folder

Win + R , then downloads

Open Downloads Folder

Win + R , then favorites

Open Favorites Folder

Win + R , then recent

Open Recent Folder

Win + R , then pictures

Open Pictures Folder

Win + R , then e.g. c:

Open C-Drive in Explorer

3. Run Commands — System Configurations

«For all commands below, press Win + R , then type e.g. gpedit.msc , then hit enter
cpl stands for C ontrol P ane l Item
msc stands for M icrosoft S ystem C onfiguration»

Dev ice Management

Comp uter Management including System Tools, Storage, Services and Appliations

Disk Partition Manager

Component Services ( D etailed Com ponent Configuration)

G roup P olicy Edit or

Local Se curity Pol icy Settings

Local User and Groups

Shared Folders ( F ile S haring Management)

For create User account

4. Run Commands — Classic Control Panel Properties

«For all commands below, press Win + R , then type e.g. control keyboard , then hit Enter .
These are mostly classic legacy menus and many of them are getting replaced with new Settings Menu»

Classic Control Panel

Classic File Explorer folder properties

Classic Keyboard properties

Classic Mouse properties

Classic Printer properties ( ms-settings: printers for new settings)

Classic User Account Manager properties for current user

Classic User Account Manager properties for all users

Cassic Administrative Tools

Classic System Information ( ms-settings: about for new menu)

Classic App lication Wiz ard aka Program and Features ( ms-settings : apps for new menu)

Classic Power Configuration ( ms-settings : powersleep for new menu)

Classic date and time properties

Classic Regional Settings ( Int ernationa l )

Classic Sound Properties ( M ulti m edia Sys tem Settings)

Classic Security Center ( W indows S ecurity C enter UI )

Classic Internet Properties ( In tern et Control Panel)

Classic System Properties

Classic Windows Firewall Properties

5. Run Commands — Windows Utilities

For all commands below, press Win + R , then type e.g. regedit , then hit Enter .

Windows Services (local)

Classic System Configuration Utility

Classic Remote Desktop ( M icro s oft T erminal S ervices C lient)

Log Off Windows (without confirmation!)

Shuts Down Windows (don’t try unless you are ready to shutdown)

6. Run Commands — Other Windows Tools

Create a shared folder Wizard

Direct X Troubleshooter

Clean Manager — Disk Cleanup Utility

Clipboard Viewer (not available after Windows XP)

Windows Installer Details

On Screen Keyboard

Windows Version ( shows your windows version )

Volume Serial Number for C:

Bluetooth Transfer Wizard

Driver Verifier Utility

Mig ration Wiz ard — Files and Settings Transfer Tool

File Sig nature Verif ication Tool

Malicious Software Removal Tool

Private Characters Editor

7. Windows Built-in App Access Command Shortcuts

For all of the below — press Win for Start Menu, then start typing, then press Enter

Start Windows Alarm App

Start Windows Calculator App

Start Windows Calendar app

Start Windows Camera App

Start Windows (Classic) Control Panel

Start Windows Edge App

Start Windows GetHelp App

Start Windows Groove Music App

Start Windows Mail app

Start Windows Map App

Start Windows Messaging App

Start Windows Mixed Reality Portal App

Start Windows Office Hub App

Start Windows OneNote App

Start Windows People App

Start Windows Photo App

Start Windows Print 3D App

Start Windows Skype App

Start Windows Sticky Notes App

Start Windows Store App

Start Windows Voice Recorder App

Start Windows Weather App

Start Windows Whiteboard App

Start Windows Your Phone App

8. Windows Settings

8.1 Windows Settings — System

System Settings — Display

System Settings — Sound

System Settings — Sound Input and Output Devices

System Settings — Notifications

System Settings — Power & Sleep

System Settings — Battery

System Settings — See which apps are affecting battery life

System Settings — Storage

System Settings — Multitasking Settings when working with multiple windows

System Settings — Tablet Mode Settings

System Settings — Enable or disable Remote Desktop

System Settings — About this PC ( control system for classic settings)

System Settings — Nightlight Settings

System Settings — Advanced Display Scaling

System Settings — Focus Assist

8.2 Windows Settings — Devices

Printers & Scanner Settings ( control printers for classic settings)

Your Phone Settings

Pen & Handwriting Settings

8.3 Windows Settings — Personalization

Personalization Settings — Colors

Personalization Settings — Taskbar

Personalization Settings — Fonts

Personalization Settings — Themes

Personalization Settings — Lock Screen

Personalization Settings — Start Menu Settings

Personalization Settings — Startup Apps

8.4 Windows Settings — Time & Language

Date and Time Settings

Speech language settings

8.5 Windows Settings — Ease of Access

Ease of Access — Display

Ease of Access — Magnifier

Ease of Access — Narrator

Ease of Access — Closed Captioning

Ease of Access — Keyboard

Ease of Access — Mouse

Ease of Access — Audio

Ease of Access — Hiugh Contrast Settings

8.6 Windows Settings — Account

Access Work or School

Family & Other Users

Sync your Settings

8.7 Windows Settings — Updates & Security

Windows Update Settings

Windows Security Settings

Windows Backup Settings

8.8 Windows Settings — Application Settings

Apps Settings — Default Aspps

Apps Settings — Video Playback Settings

Apps Settings — Power & Sleep Settings ( powercfg.cpl for classic menu)

Created by max on 1/12/2021. Last updated by admin on 1/12/2021

22 Comments for ‘(Windows) — Windows Run Commands, Settings, and Start Menu Shortcuts ‘ [post comment in main thread]

Comment #22 by Mike Sep 23, 2020 at 11:12 am Reply

Thanks for this, as a sysadmin for linux/IBMi I have avoided windows sysadmin stuff for years. This helps with the basics I need to do my job, thanks!

Comment #21 by sudakar Sep 12, 2017 at 05:06 pm Reply

today i got the full meaning for IP i think its related to human also i am very thankfull to quora

Comment #20 by Bhasker Raj Feb 21, 2017 at 05:11 pm Reply

Your site is excelleant and all the information is available at finger tips. I was lucky to come across your site, when I was searching for office 2010 keyboard short cuts. Compliments to your efforts to put all the useful information in your website. A. S. Bhasker Raj Bangalore India

Comment #19 by ANURAG DWIVEDI Feb 22, 2016 at 07:41 am Reply

Comment #18 by Asim Jan 25, 2016 at 01:21 pm Reply

I don’t think the ‘clipbrd’ works in post Win 7.

Reply #1 admin Jan 26, 2016 at 08:00 pm

thanks; i made a note. Yes, the Clipboard Viewer no longer exists.

Comment #17 by SHurley Jan 6, 2016 at 07:39 am Reply

As a beginner, I wasn’t sure what control panel meant. Is it a key somewhere? I was trying to use the control desktop shortcut but didn’t know what buttons to push.

Comment #16 by Bikash Oct 20, 2015 at 02:25 am Reply

It is really helpful collection: thank you !! :*

Comment #15 by shi lou toge Sep 21, 2015 at 09:49 pm Reply

It is a big help. Thanks.

Comment #14 by yogaraj v Aug 1, 2015 at 01:54 am Reply

those shortcuts are very important for a system administrator position thanks

Comment #13 by SaddamHusain Jul 15, 2015 at 09:00 am Reply

Vary vary Thank you

Comment #12 by harikrishnan Jun 17, 2015 at 06:06 am Reply

mspaint paint (if installed)

Comment #11 by Ravi May 8, 2015 at 02:35 am Reply

thanks very useful

Comment #10 by Jeremiah Apr 23, 2015 at 09:30 pm Reply

There are two calculators

Reply #1 admin Apr 24, 2015 at 03:17 pm

Comment #9 by gvdnet Mar 24, 2015 at 11:17 am Reply

more helpfull in my job works

Comment #8 by Channa Mar 16, 2015 at 01:01 am Reply

Very useful good to have various types of shortcuts in a one webpage Thanks

Comment #7 by Ajinkya Dhuri Sep 25, 2014 at 09:32 am Reply

very nice commands

Comment #6 by vineet tyagi Sep 15, 2014 at 04:01 am Reply

Comment #5 by Muhammad Zahid Sep 3, 2014 at 12:59 am Reply

Very Nice Work. It’s so good.

Comment #4 by Ashok Aug 26, 2014 at 01:41 am Reply

It really sped up my work..

Comment #3 by aruns Jul 15, 2014 at 08:50 am Reply

so helpfull for my job and enhance my skills.