How does one find “hidden” program files in Windows 10?

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In W8, on the Metro side, I could just type the name (eg: File Manager), and when it appeared in the results list, I would right-click on the icon and select “Open location”. Not so in W10.

Internet Explorer is easy to find, because it’s in a folder under Programs called Internet Explorer. But others are not so easy, because their executables are not in the .exe filename.

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It’s the same in 10 except you need to ensure the focus is in the search box at the bottom right. In my opinion (humble or otherwise) it’s a step back from 8, along with the removal of the all programs screen.

Eliminate spare time: start programming PowerShell

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Sorry, what search box is that? I’m using a laptop for W10, so there is no “Metro” style screen, just a desktop. It has the Cortana/search box on the lower left. You can easily find a program, but I want to get to the file location so I can make shortcuts to the desktop. This is something they foolishly, laughingly dropped. Before, you could right click on an application name in the All Programs list.

And I’m with you on the whole going backwards thing… the new “exciting” Start menu is a huge mistake.

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Before, you could right click on an application name in the All Programs list.

You can still right click for the file location of installed classic/desktop apps, from start menu or all apps, but not for universal apps.

For universal (built-in) apps, you can just drag and drop an icon from start menu or all apps to the desktop to create shortcuts (which also works for classic/desktop apps).

Windows 10 Tip: Pin Universal Apps to the Desktop

Or, if you want to do something manually, you can find all the apps at shell:AppsFolder (in Run or File Explorer address bar):

Windows 10 Tip: Create Shortcuts for Universal Apps

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Bbb, hello.
Bruce set you on the right track, read it well. This W-10 is just like W-7 and/or W-8, you just have to develop the proper attitude of logic ( positive ) thinking. Browse around a trifle and you will find joy. Not a step backward in the least.

All fine wishes. Jean.

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Beg to differ… it’s somewhere between just as easy & much easier. If not using a window to view applications… open Start > All apps. Rt Clk on any > Open File Location. Using an Application window skips having to open Start (first) an offers ALL items exposed, not inside folders. Either way, it’s just Rt Clk > Open File Location.

2ndly, yes, in 8.1 can just begin typing on both ALL Apps OR Start screens. In Windows 10 just hit the Win key or hit the Win logo & begin typing Can use this method & not have any need for either Search icon or box on the Taskbar.

As pointed out earlier by Bruce, this doesn’t work for “Modern” apps.

Jerry

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You can just use drag-and-drop from the Start Menu to the Desktop, and it will create a shortcut for you. Left-click and hold the App you want a shortcut for, drag it to the desktop and drop it. It doesn’t add the “Shortcut to”, either, just the arrow symbol on the icon to let you know it’s a shortcut.

I’m using StartIsBack++ on my main desktop, and it allows “Create shortcut” in the right-click context menu for “Modern” Apps. The behavior is the warning “Windows cannot create a shortcut here, do you want one on the desktop” and select Yes.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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Shortcuts for Settings can be created on the desktop by using “locations” from this list: How to make shortcuts to Windows 10 settings on your Desktop

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Shortcuts for Settings can be created on the desktop by using “locations” from this list: How to make shortcuts to Windows 10 settings on your Desktop

That’s a great tip!

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Not a matter of “doesn’t work” but rather doesn’t apply since Store APPs don’t have file locations.

They do have file locations. They are in “Program FilesWindowsApps”, with each App having its own folder and subfolders, such as “Microsoft.SkypeApp_3.2.1.0_neutral_~_kzf8qxf38zg5c”.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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I see my problem now. By sheer coincidence, I have been trying to drag Folders (as indicated by down arrows). Okay, slap me around…

However, this doesn’t help with items like Device Manager which, due to the nature of my work, I like to have sitting on the desktop as a shortcut icon. For instance, while I can search for Device Manager using the Cortana box, I cannot right-click or left-drag on the results. Yes, I can get at it from Control Panel. But same thing applies to, for example, Administrative Tools or Accessories. The point here is NOT that they are unreachable; I am unhappy that they have removed this ease-of-access for no apparent reason.

Thanks for all the tips, everyone.

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However, this doesn’t help with items like Device Manager which, due to the nature of my work, I like to have sitting on the desktop as a shortcut icon. For instance, while I can search for Device Manager using the Cortana box, I cannot right-click or left-drag on the results. Yes, I can get at it from Control Panel. But same thing applies to, for example, Administrative Tools or Accessories. The point here is NOT that they are unreachable; I am unhappy that they have removed this ease-of-access for no apparent reason.

Thanks for all the tips, everyone.

For Device Manager and Administrative Tools, you can right click on them in Control Panel and Create shortcut which will put them on the desktop.

For Windows Accessories, you can drag any program from that All apps folder (e.g. Character Map, Notepad, Remote Desktop, Snipping Tool) to the desktop to create a shortcut.

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Another way of getting shortcuts for system programs is to use the “God Mode” folder http://winsupersite.com/windows-10/enabling-godmode-windows-10 and you can right click any of the links in it to create a shortcut on your desktop.
I used it for a “View Reliability History” shortcut.
HTH

Don't take yourself so seriously, no one else does
All W10 Pro at 22H2,(2 Desktops, 1 Laptop).

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Sorry, duplicate post.

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Interestingly, I still cannot find an easy way to get File Explorer onto the desktop. Yes, the shell:appsfolder command opens a group of applications, of which File Explorer is one. But there is no Device Manager there. So one must proceed to the Control Panel and drag it from there.

This is a huge step backward from the right-click and drag for all items in the W7 Start Menu. These are all workarounds, as far as I’m concerned. I guess I will just have to accept the fact that MS has done it again.

Also, as I saw pointed out on another board while researching this: “How discoverable”.

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