Windows 7: Games Explorer Shortcut - Create

   Information

This will show you how to create or download a Games Explorer shortcut instead of one to the hidden C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Games folder.

   Note

The Games folder is central repository for games on your computer that also offers game updates, statistics, news feeds, WEI requirements, and more. For more information about the Games Explorer folder, see: Explore the features: Games Explorer

   Tip

• Typing shell:games in the Start Menu search box and pressing enter will also open the Games Explorer folder.
• You can also add or remove the Games Explorer folder from the Start Menu dark right side in the Start Menu Customize settings.

OPTION ONE

To Download the "Games Explorer" Shortcut

1. Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Games_Explorer.zip

2. Click on Save, and save the .zip file to the desktop.

3. Open the .zip file and extract the Games Explorer shortcut to the desktop.

4. Right click on the Games Explorer shortcut, and click on Properties, General tab, and on the Unblock button. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If you do not have a Unblock button under the General tab, then the shortcut is already unblocked and you can continue on to step 5.

5. You can now Pin to Taskbar or Pin to Start Menu this shortcut, assign a keyboard shortcut to it, or move it where you like for easy use.

6. When done, you can delete the downloaded .zip file on the desktop if you like, or save it to use again.

OPTION TWO

To Manually Create the "Games Explorer" Shortcut

1. Right click on a empty area on desktop, and click on New and Shortcut. (See screenshot below)

2. Type the location below into the location area, and click on the Next button. (See screenshot below)

%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe /E,::{ED228FDF-9EA8-4870-83b1-96b02CFE0D52}

3. Type Games Explorer for the name, and click on the Finish button. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: You can name this anything you would like though.

4. Right click on the new Games Explorer shortcut on the Desktop and click on Properties.

5. Click on the Shortcut tab, then click on the Change Icon button. (see screenshot below)

6. In the line under "Look for icons in this file", type in the location below and press Enter. (see screenshot below)

%windir%\System32\imageres.dll

7. Select the icon highlighted in blue above and click on OK. (see screenshot above)
NOTE: You can use any icon that you would like instead though.

8. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)

9. You can now Pin to Taskbar or Pin to Start Menu this shortcut, assign a keyboard shortcut to it, or move it where you like for easy use.