Windows provides a myriad of options for application launching; whether from the Start Menu, Quick Launch tool bar, or Windows 7 pinned task bar. Many probably use a combination of all three rather than consistently use one approach over another. Why? Ease of use, organizational mind set, frequency usage – it’s different for every user obviously.

Another option exists to further customize your Windows experience; applications can be added to the Desktop right-click context menu and it’s pretty simple to boot.

Launch the Windows Registry Editor from the start menu with regedit.

Traverse the registry keys down the left-hand side until you locate HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell.

Create a new key under the shell key with a right-click and New->Key. The value of the key should be the name of the application you ultimately want to launch. In our example I’m going to use Firefox.

Expand the shell key and select your newly created key from above. Now create another new key within this key – again Firefox in our example.

Name the key command.

In the right-hand panel with command selected, you’ll find a Default key already created. Double-click on the Default key and change it’s Value to the full path of the program you wish to execute, insuring it’s encapsulated with quotes.

Return to your Desktop and right-click anywhere to see your newly created application launcher!

This is a pretty useful time-saver for applications that you use somewhat frequently but not often enough to warrant their permanent placement across the task bar.