In Windows, how do I add an application to the Start menu?

To add an application to the Start menu, follow the appropriate instructions below for your version of Windows.

Note: You may need administrative rights to make changes to the Start menu, depending on the existing user profiles and privileges.

Note: At Indiana University, the University Information Security Office (UISO) recommends that you normally refrain from running your Windows computer as an administrator. For more, see What is the principle of least privilege?

Windows XP and Vista

1. Right-click Start and select Properties.
   
   
2. Click the Start Menu tab, and then click the radio button next to Classic Start menu.
   
   
3. Click Customize... , and then Add... .
   
   
4. Click Browse... and locate the .exe file of the program you want to add.
   
   
5. Highlight the program you are going to add and click OK. Click Next.
   
   
6. Highlight the folder in which you want the application to appear, or click New Folder... , and then click Next.
   
   
7. Select a name for the shortcut, and then click Finish.

Windows 2000

1. From the Start menu, select Settings, then Taskbar & Start Menu... .
   
   
2. Under the Advanced tab, click Add... , and then click Browse... . Locate the .exe file of the application you want to add.
   
   
3. Highlight the program you are going to add and click Open, and then click Next.
   
   
4. Highlight the folder in which you want the application to appear, or click New Folder... . Click Next.
   
   
5. Select a name for the shortcut and click Next.
   
   
6. Select the icon you want to use for the shortcut and click Finish.

Comments/Questions/Corrections