How do I bring all programs and apps to my desktop?

Tired of digging through the Start menu to launch your programs? There's a quicker way. With one simple desktop shortcut, you can open a single folder that lists every installed app and program on your Windows PC. Just create a new shortcut, paste in a short Explorer command, give it a name like "All apps", and you're set. Double-click the icon and reach any program in seconds – a small trick that saves you time every day.

1 Min. reading time

13 May 2026

How do I bring all programs and apps to my desktop?

Question: I normally start my programs via the Windows start menu. However, it would be easier to use a desktop shortcut. Of course, I could send any program to the desktop with “Send to desktop shortcut”. But that is very tedious. Can I not also display all installed programs in a folder on the desktop? asked Heinrich O.

Answer: You are right: you can start your apps and programs much faster if there is a corresponding shortcut on ...