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How to Restore the Microsoft Word Shortcut to the Start Menu
Question details
The user needs to restore the Microsoft Word application shortcut to the Windows Start menu after it was inadvertently moved to the desktop.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Organizing application shortcuts and recovering a missing Start menu icon.
- Observed behavior
- The Microsoft Word shortcut is missing from the Start menu but the application remains installed and accessible via the desktop or taskbar.
Verify that Microsoft Word is still installed on your computer by opening a Word document from your desktop or searching for it in the Windows search bar.
Pin Microsoft Word to the Start Menu via the Taskbar
This is the fastest method to restore the shortcut if you have a Word document already open or a Word icon currently pinned to your taskbar.
Double-click your existing desktop shortcut or open any saved Word document to launch the Microsoft Word application.
Locate the active Microsoft Word icon on your Windows taskbar at the bottom of the screen and right-click it.
From the context menu that appears, click on 'Pin to Start'. Open your Start menu to verify the shortcut has been restored.
Restore the Shortcut Using Windows Search
Use the built-in Windows Search or the 'All apps' list to locate the Word application and pin it directly to the Start menu.
Pin the Executable File from File Explorer
Navigate to the original Microsoft Office installation folder on your hard drive to manually pin the Word executable file.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless, Easy-to-Manage Experience
If you are tired of dealing with missing shortcuts, complicated settings, or heavy application installations, WPS Office offers a streamlined solution. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that is incredibly easy to install and manage on Windows.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to get the setup file.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer. WPS Office will automatically configure your desktop and Start menu shortcuts during the quick setup process.
- 3. Open and Enjoy: Launch WPS Office from your newly created Start menu shortcut and seamlessly open your existing Microsoft Office files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Microsoft Word shortcut disappear from the Start menu?
If you dragged the shortcut directly from the Windows Start menu folder to your desktop, Windows may have moved the file instead of creating a copy. This removes the shortcut from its original location in the Start menu.
Can I just drag the desktop shortcut back into the Start menu?
Depending on your specific version of Windows, dragging a shortcut directly onto the Start button may not pin it. The most reliable method is to right-click the desktop shortcut and select 'Pin to Start' from the context menu.
What if I search for Word and it doesn't appear in Windows Search?
If Microsoft Word does not appear in search results or the 'All apps' list, the installation might be corrupted or uninstalled. You can attempt to repair the installation by going to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, finding Microsoft Office, and selecting 'Modify' to run the repair tool.
