In the Windows environment, it is common for users to create shortcuts on their desktops for easy access to frequently used applications or files. However, sometimes these shortcuts may fail to open correctly, causing frustration and inconvenience. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this issue and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it.

One common cause of desktop shortcuts not opening correctly is when the target file or application has been moved or deleted. When this happens, the shortcut becomes invalid and cannot open the intended file or application. To fix this, you can either recreate the shortcut or update its target path.

To recreate a shortcut, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the desktop and select "New" and then "Shortcut".
2. In the "Create Shortcut" window, browse to the location of the file or application you want to create a shortcut for.
3. Click "Next" and enter a name for the shortcut.
4. Click "Finish" to create the new shortcut.

If you prefer to update the target path of an existing shortcut, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the shortcut and select "Properties".
2. In the "Shortcut" tab, click on the "Change Icon" button if necessary.
3. Click on the "Browse" button and navigate to the correct location of the file or application.
4. Select the file or application and click "OK" to update the target path.
5. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

Another possible cause of desktop shortcuts not opening correctly is when the associated file type or protocol is not properly registered. Windows uses file associations to determine which application should be used to open a specific file type. If the file association is incorrect or missing, the shortcut may fail to open the desired application.

To fix this issue, you can use the "Default Programs" feature in Windows to set the correct file association. Follow these steps:

1. Press the "Windows" key and search for "Default Programs".
2. Open the "Default Programs" application.
3. Click on "Set Associations" to view and modify the file associations.
4. Locate the file type associated with the shortcut that is not opening correctly.
5. Select the file type and click on "Change program".
6. Choose the correct program from the list or browse for it manually.
7. Click "OK" to save the changes.

It is also worth mentioning that sometimes desktop shortcuts may not open correctly due to issues with the Windows operating system itself. In such cases, performing a system scan using the System File Checker (SFC) tool can help identify and repair any corrupted system files.

To run a system scan using SFC, follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the command "sfc /scannow" and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions provided.

If the SFC scan detects any corrupted files, it will attempt to repair them automatically. Restart your computer after the scan is complete and check if the desktop shortcuts are opening correctly.