How to Create a Microsoft To Do Shortcut in Windows
Question details
The user needs to create a quick access desktop shortcut for the Microsoft To Do application on a Windows computer.
- Product
- Microsoft To Do
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Accessing Microsoft To Do quickly from the desktop when the standard "Open file location" option is unavailable.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft To Do is a Windows Store app that lacks a traditional executable file path, requiring a URI scheme to successfully create a custom desktop shortcut.
Ensure that the Microsoft To Do application is already installed on your Windows PC from the Microsoft Store before attempting to create a desktop shortcut.
Create a Desktop Shortcut using the URI Scheme
Use the built-in Windows shortcut wizard and the specific Microsoft To Do URI scheme to bypass the missing file location option.
Because Microsoft To Do is a UWP (Universal Windows Platform) application, it doesn't have a standard .exe file you can link to directly. Using the ms-todo: URI scheme tells Windows to launch the app directly.
Right-click on an empty space on your Windows desktop, select "New" from the context menu, and then click on "Shortcut".
In the location field of the shortcut wizard, type exactly ms-todo: and click the "Next" button.
Type "Microsoft To Do" (or your preferred custom name) into the name field and click "Finish" to place the shortcut on your desktop.
Pin Microsoft To Do to Taskbar or Start Menu
For quick access without relying on a desktop icon, you can pin the app directly to your Windows taskbar or Start menu.
Boost Your Productivity with WPS Office
While keeping your tasks organized in Microsoft To Do, consider using WPS Office for all your document management needs. It is a powerful, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office that brings Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF tools into one intuitive workspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't Microsoft To Do have an 'Open file location' option?
Microsoft To Do is a Universal Windows Platform (UWP) application downloaded from the Microsoft Store. These apps are installed in a hidden, system-protected folder (WindowsApps), which restricts standard file execution and disables the traditional 'Open file location' context menu option.
Can I assign a custom icon to the new Microsoft To Do shortcut?
Yes, you can customize the icon. Right-click the newly created desktop shortcut, select 'Properties', navigate to the 'Web Document' or 'Shortcut' tab, and click the 'Change Icon' button to select a custom .ico file from your computer.
What should I do if the ms-todo: command opens a web browser instead of the app?
If a browser opens, it indicates that the URI scheme is not correctly registered in your Windows registry. You can fix this by uninstalling and then reinstalling the Microsoft To Do app directly from the Microsoft Store to restore the correct default app associations.
