Why can't I create a Desktop shortcut?

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Level 1

6 points

Why can't I create a Desktop shortcut?

Apple notified me that there was an update to iTunes. I used to use iTunes update to update iTunes. Then one day the update failed and the fix was to uninstall all apple applications and then re-install. I figured that the reason that happened was that the update utility didn't have enough authority. So ever since, I have been going and downloading the new update and then running as administrator. When I went to do that this time, the first surprise was that I had to go to the Microsoft store and download iTunes that way and then it downloaded and installed without asking where I wanted to save the download. So it updates OK, but it removed my shortcut on my desktop and didn't replace it. I went into the start menu and tried to control drag a copy onto my desktop but the icon shows that it's not allowed. Why? Why can't I put an icon on my desktop if I want to? It did let me put a copy on the task bar. I tried to drag from there on my desktop, but again...I'm not allowed.

So why do I have to download from the windows store now?

Why can't I put a shortcut on my desktop if I want to?

And where the devil did it install the application?

I was going to find the executable and try to make a short cut that way, but I couldn't find it under programs or programs(x86). When I get a chance, I'm going to look under the user accounts and see if it put it there. I already looked to see if the files were hidden, but they were not where I expected them to be.

At first I thought it had messed up my music too, because songs were showing under artists where they didn't belong, but I finally was able to switch back to the "view" I have always used. And now at least that seems to be OK. I guess I don't understand how the default view was sorting things.

Thanks.

Windows 7

Posted on Jun 9, 2018 4:41 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

borlosky

Level 1

14 points

Jun 17, 2018 5:55 AM in response to km914

windows store apps install to: "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" (you may have to go to folder options first and turn on "show hidden files and folders" to actually see the folder, however...

but I'm with you, there's no longer a direct download link on Apple's site now, but only a link to the microsoft store to download it there. My previous install of itunes couldn't update/run any more after it's latest "update", forcing me to download via MS store... and I can't find any reasoning or explanation behind it on apple's site at all. But I also have no way to create a shortcut either, even after creating one from the app's folder as listed above, it still doesn't work, as it generates a "cannot access the specified device, path or file..." so I guess no desktop shortcut anymore 😟

EDIT:: after some further searching, there IS a way to create a shortcut...

Press the Win + R keys together on your keyboard to open the Run dialog and type shell:AppsFolder in the run box.
Hit the Enter key to open the Applications folder.
Now, drag and drop the shortcut of the desired app to the Desktop.

now I have a working shortcut for iTunes on my desktop! YAY!

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