Creating a printer shortcut on your desktop in Windows 10 can be a useful and time-saving feature. Whether you frequently print documents or occasionally need to access printer settings, having a shortcut on your desktop can simplify the process. In this blog post, we will explore four different methods to create a printer shortcut on your desktop in Windows 10. We will discuss the steps involved in each method, along with the pros and cons of each approach.
Why You Need to Create a Printer Shortcut on Desktop in Windows 10
There are several reasons why you might want to create a printer shortcut on your desktop in Windows 10. Here are a few key points to consider:
- Ease of access: Having a printer shortcut on your desktop allows you to quickly access printer settings and options without navigating through multiple menus.
- Time-saving: Instead of searching for the printer settings every time you need to adjust a parameter or change a setting, a desktop shortcut provides a direct and efficient way to manage your printer.
- Convenience: A printer shortcut on your desktop eliminates the need to open the Control Panel or Settings app to access printer-related options, resulting in a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.
Now, let’s delve into the various methods to create a printer shortcut on your desktop in Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
Part 1. Create a Printer Shortcut Using the Printers & Scanners Settings
The first method we’ll explore is creating a printer shortcut using the Printers & Scanners settings in Windows 10. Follow the steps below to create a printer shortcut using this method:
1. Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
2. In the Settings app, click on "Devices."
3. In the left sidebar, click on "Printers & scanners."
4. Scroll down to the "Related settings" section and click on "Devices and printers."
5. The Devices and Printers window will open. Right-click on your desired printer and select "Create shortcut."
6. A warning message will pop up stating that the shortcut cannot be created on the desktop and will be placed in the start menu instead. Click on "Yes" to proceed.
7. Now, you can access your printer by clicking on the start menu and selecting your printer shortcut.
To further understand the pros and cons of this method, let’s take a look at the table below:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and straightforward process to create a printer shortcut. | 1. The shortcut cannot be created directly on the desktop, and instead, it is placed in the start menu. |
| 2. Provides quick access to printer settings and options. | 2. May require multiple clicks to access the printer shortcut through the start menu. |
| 3. No additional software or tools required. | 3. Limited customization options for the shortcut icon. |
Part 2. Create a Printer Shortcut Using the Control Panel
Another method to create a printer shortcut on your desktop is by using the Control Panel. Follow the steps below to create a printer shortcut using this method:
1. Right-click on the desktop and select "New" > "Shortcut."
2. In the location field, enter the following command:
control.exe printers
3. Click "Next" and enter a name for your shortcut. For example, "Printer."
4. Click "Finish" to create the shortcut on your desktop.
By using the Control Panel method, you can create a printer shortcut directly on your desktop. However, there are some pros and cons to consider:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Shortcut can be directly created on the desktop for quick access. | 1. Requires manual entry of a command in the shortcut location field. |
| 2. Provides direct access to printer settings through a single click. | 2. Limited customization options for the shortcut icon. |
| 3. No additional software or tools required. | 3. May not be as user-friendly for individuals less familiar with the Control Panel. |
Part 3. Create a Printer Shortcut Using a Third-Party Software
If you prefer a more customizable approach to creating a printer shortcut, you can use third-party software that offers additional features and options. Here is a popular tool called "Desktop Printer Manager" that can help you create a printer shortcut with more flexibility:
1. Download and install "Desktop Printer Manager" from a trusted source.
2. Launch the software and select the printer you want to create a shortcut for.
3. Customize the shortcut settings, including the icon, name, and other options.
4. Click on "Create Shortcut" to generate the printer shortcut on your desktop.
Using third-party software provides more customization options, but it also comes with its own set of pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Offers advanced customization options for the shortcut, such as icon selection, name, and more. | 1. Requires downloading and installing additional software. |
| 2. Provides a user-friendly interface for creating and managing printer shortcuts. | 2. May not be free and might require a purchase or subscription. |
| 3. Can include additional features and settings beyond just creating printer shortcuts. | 3. Compatibility with Windows updates and future Windows versions may vary. |
Part 4. Create a Printer Shortcut Using the Command Prompt
If you prefer using the Command Prompt, you can also create a printer shortcut using a few simple commands. Follow the steps below to create a printer shortcut using this method:
1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "cmd" and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
explorer.exe shell:::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}
4. The Devices and Printers window will open. Right-click on your desired printer and select "Create shortcut."
5. A warning message will pop up stating that the shortcut cannot be created on the desktop and will be placed in the start menu instead. Click on "Yes" to proceed.
6. Now, you can access your printer by clicking on the start menu and selecting your printer shortcut.
Creating a printer shortcut using the Command Prompt offers its own set of pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Shortcut can be directly created on the desktop for quick access. | 1. Requires using the Command Prompt and entering a specific command. |
| 2. Provides quick access to printer settings and options. | 2. Limited customization options for the shortcut icon. |
| 3. No additional software or tools required. | 3. May not be as user-friendly for individuals less experienced with the Command Prompt. |
What to Do If You Can’t Create a Printer Shortcut on Your Desktop
If you encounter issues or limitations with creating a printer shortcut on your desktop using the methods described above, there are alternative solutions to consider:
1. Pin the printer to the taskbar: Right-click on your desired printer in the "Printers & scanners" settings or the Control Panel and select "Pin to taskbar." This will create a shortcut to your printer on the taskbar for easy access.
2. Create a folder shortcut: Instead of creating a direct printer shortcut, you can create a folder on your desktop and include shortcuts to your printer settings or applications within that folder.
3. Use keyboard shortcuts: Windows 10 offers various keyboard shortcuts for accessing printer settings. For example, pressing the Windows key + P will open the "Project" menu, which allows you to adjust printer settings quickly.
By exploring these alternative solutions, you can still achieve quick and convenient access to your printer settings when creating a direct shortcut is not feasible or limited.
Bonus Tips
Here are a few bonus tips to enhance your printer shortcut experience:
1. Customize the shortcut icon: Right-click on the printer shortcut, select "Properties," and navigate to the "Shortcut" tab. Click on "Change Icon" to select a custom icon for your printer shortcut.
2. Organize your printer shortcuts: If you create multiple printer shortcuts, consider creating shortcut folders on your desktop to organize them better.
3. Experiment with different methods: Try out multiple methods mentioned in this blog post to find the one that works best for your workflow and preferences.
The Bottom Line
Creating a printer shortcut on your desktop in Windows 10 can significantly improve your printing workflow and productivity. Each method discussed in this blog post offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the approach that best suits your needs. Whether you prefer using built-in settings, the Control Panel, third-party software, or the Command Prompt, having a printer shortcut on your desktop ensures quick and convenient access to your printer settings and options.
5 FAQs about Creating a Printer Shortcut on Desktop in Windows 10
Q1: Can I create a printer shortcut directly on the desktop without using the start menu or taskbar?
A1: Yes, you can create a printer shortcut directly on the desktop using the Control Panel or Command Prompt methods mentioned in this blog post.
Q2: Do I need to install additional software to create a printer shortcut?
A2: No, you can create a printer shortcut using built-in Windows settings and tools. However, if you prefer more customization options, you can use third-party software like "Desktop Printer Manager."
Q3: Can I customize the icon for my printer shortcut?
A3: Yes, you can customize the icon for your printer shortcut by right-clicking on the shortcut, selecting "Properties," and navigating to the "Shortcut" tab. From there, click on "Change Icon" to select a custom icon.
Q4: Will the printer shortcut still work if I change or remove the printer?
A4: If you change or remove the printer, the shortcut may no longer function as intended. It’s recommended to recreate the shortcut or modify it accordingly based on the new printer setup.
Q5: Can I create multiple printer shortcuts for different printers?
A5: Yes, you can create multiple printer shortcuts for different printers using any of the methods mentioned in this blog post. Organizing them into folders on your desktop can help keep them organized and easily accessible.{"@context":"https://schema.org”,"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":null}
