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How to Add Word and Excel Shortcuts to Desktop and Find Publisher
Question details
The user needs instructions on how to create quick access desktop shortcuts for Microsoft Word and Excel, and wants to know how to locate Microsoft Publisher within their Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Product
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher)
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Creating easily accessible application icons on the desktop for frequently used programs and checking if a specific desktop publishing app is included in the current subscription plan.
- Observed behavior
- Desktop shortcuts for Word and Excel are missing by default, and Microsoft Publisher is not immediately visible or accessible to the user.
Ensure that Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 is completely installed on your Windows computer before attempting to create shortcuts or search for specific applications.
Create Desktop Shortcuts for Word and Excel
Use the Windows Start menu to quickly locate the application files and send shortcuts directly to your desktop.
Windows does not always place application icons on the desktop automatically after installation. You can manually create these shortcuts using the File Explorer.
Click the Windows Start button on your taskbar and type 'Word' or 'Excel' into the search bar.
Right-click the Word or Excel application icon in the search results and select 'Open file location' from the context menu.
A File Explorer window will open highlighting the application shortcut. Right-click this shortcut, hover over 'Send to', and click 'Desktop (create shortcut)'.
Locating Microsoft Publisher and Checking Availability
Verify if Microsoft Publisher is installed on your PC or check your Microsoft 365 subscription details to see if it is included.
Switch to WPS Office for a Lightweight, All-in-One Experience
Instead of managing multiple desktop shortcuts for separate applications or dealing with retiring software like Publisher, try WPS Office. It provides an all-in-one suite combining documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDFs in a single, lightweight desktop app.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and click the download button to get the free WPS Office installer.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch the single WPS Office application from your desktop and easily open your existing Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pin Word and Excel to my taskbar instead of the desktop?
Yes. Open the Start menu, search for Word or Excel, right-click the application icon, and select 'Pin to taskbar'. This provides one-click access directly from your screen's bottom taskbar.
Why can't I find Microsoft Publisher on my Mac?
Microsoft Publisher is developed exclusively for Windows PCs. It is not available for macOS, even if you are subscribed to a Microsoft 365 plan that includes it.
What happens to my Publisher files after October 2026?
Microsoft is retiring Publisher after October 2026, meaning it will no longer receive updates or be included in Microsoft 365. You will likely need to export your files to other formats or use alternative desktop publishing software to manage your .pub files in the future.
How do I create a single shortcut for all Office apps?
If you have the unified 'Microsoft 365' app installed from the Microsoft Store, you can create a desktop shortcut for it using the Start menu method. Alternatively, using an all-in-one suite like WPS Office natively provides a single shortcut for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
