How to Link to a Website from Windows Explorer

Are you looking for a way to directly link to a website or webpage from within the Windows Explorer? Here is an easy way to do it without using any additional software.

Step 1: Using your favorite web browser, browse to the website you wish to link to.

Step 2: Click on the address bar and copy the website address.

Step 3: Go into the Windows Explorer folder where you wish to place the link.

Step 4: Right click in the folder area and select New > Shortcut.

Step 5: A window will pop-up and prompt you to enter the location of the item. Simply press CTRL+V or right click and paste the URL in the field. Click Next.

Step 6: Type in the name for the shortcut. Click Finish and you are done!

If you want to change the default icon for the shortcut, right click on the icon and select Properties. Click on Change Icon and choose the icon you like.

Creating Shortcuts to a PDF or any File on a Website from Windows Explorer

Using the same method above, you can link to a specific file which is hosted on a website. For example, a PDF, image or video file. Usually the file will be linked from a webpage. Locate the link and copy the link by right clicking on the link and selecting Copy Link Location or clicking on Properties and then copying the link location. Once you have copied the link, follow steps 3 to 6 above to create the shortcut.