You can open a program when there are no icons on the desktop by using several alternative methods in Windows:
- Using the Start Menu: Click the Windows logo on the taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu. You can find your program either pinned there or by selecting "All apps" and scrolling through the list to click the program you want to open
- Using Windows Search: Click the search bar on the taskbar or press Win + S, then type the name of the program and press Enter to launch it
- Using the Run Dialog: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type the executable name of the program (e.g.,
winword.exefor Microsoft Word), and hit Enter to open it
- Using Task Manager: Right-click the taskbar, select Task Manager, then use "Run new task" from the File menu or top button. Type the program's executable name and press Enter to launch it
- Using File Explorer: Open File Explorer (Win + E), navigate to the drive where programs are installed (usually C:), open "Program Files" or "Program Files (x86)", find the program's folder, and double-click the executable (.exe) file to start the program
Additionally, once you open the program, you can create shortcuts on the desktop or pin the program to the taskbar or Start menu for easier access in the future
. These methods work even if your desktop icons are missing or you don't have shortcuts available. They provide reliable ways to launch any installed program on your Windows PC
