The Tool Desk
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Choose a route that fits how you use apps
| Route | Best suited to | Navigation |
|---|---|---|
| Search | You know the app’s name and open it occasionally | Keyboard, then select a result |
| Taskbar pin | You open a small set of apps repeatedly | Mouse or taskbar keyboard navigation |
| Run | You know an app’s command, or want to reach the installed-app list | Keyboard |
| Apps folder shortcut | You prefer a desktop icon for an installed app | Mouse |
These are workflow choices, not measured speed rankings. Microsoft Support notes that “The mouse is great and all, but sometimes these keyboard tricks are faster,” but its guidance gives no time-saving figures for these methods.
Search for an app by name
- Press Windows+S to open Search.
- Type the app’s name.
- Select the app in the results to launch it.
This is a practical option when you remember the app’s name but do not want to browse a list. Microsoft documents Windows Search and its keyboard shortcut in its Windows keyboard shortcuts guide.
Pin recurring apps to the taskbar
- Press Windows+S and search for the app.
- Right-click the app result and choose Pin to taskbar.
- To change the order, drag its taskbar icon to the position you want.
A pinned icon gives you a direct launch point for apps you open often. Microsoft’s taskbar customization guidance covers pinning and arranging icons. For supported apps, right-clicking a taskbar icon can also show a jump list with recent files or common app-specific actions.
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Open Run or the installed-app list with the keyboard
Launch an app with a known command
- Press Windows+R to open the Run dialog.
- Enter the app’s command or executable name, if you know it.
- Press Enter.
Run is useful when you already know what command to enter; it is not a name-search list for every installed app. Microsoft documents Windows+R in its keyboard shortcuts guide.
Use Run to open the Apps folder
- Press Windows+R.
- Type
shell:AppsFolder. - Press Enter to open the Apps folder, then locate and open an installed app.
This provides a browsable list of installed apps. Microsoft describes the Apps folder route in its instructions for creating desktop shortcuts.
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Create a desktop shortcut from the Apps folder
- Open the Apps folder using Windows+R, then enter
shell:AppsFolder. - Find the app, right-click it, and select Create shortcut.
- If Windows asks whether to place the shortcut on the desktop, confirm.
A desktop shortcut is an alternative if you prefer selecting an icon with the mouse rather than searching or using the taskbar. The available context-menu choices can depend on the app.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check your Windows version
Microsoft’s cited taskbar and keyboard guidance covers Windows 10 and Windows 11. Interface details may differ by version. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft’s Windows 10 support notice; check the guidance that applies to your version.
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