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Fix a shortcut that will not work

We'll rule out a broken path, moved target, or permission issues, then fix the shortcut or create a new one.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • Access to the target file or folder (or knowledge of its new location)
  • Administrator rights (if the app requires "Run as administrator")
Step 1 of 6

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Steps

Goal: Rule out a broken path, moved target, or permission issues, then fix or recreate the shortcut.

  • Double-click the shortcut and note what happens—nothing, “file not found”, or an error.
  • Good: The target opens—you are done.
  • Bad: Nothing or error—proceed to Check target.

Check target

Goal: Verify where the shortcut points and whether the target exists.

  • Right-click the shortcut > Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac). Check the Target (Windows) or path (Mac). Use “Open file location” (Windows) to jump to the target folder.
  • Good: The target exists and opens—the issue may be permissions or “Run as administrator”. Check Compatibility tab (Windows) for “Run as administrator”.
  • Bad: The target is missing—the shortcut is orphaned. Search for the file or folder and find its new location.

Update path

Goal: Point the shortcut to the target’s new location.

  • Windows: Right-click shortcut > Properties. In Target, change the path to the new location. Update Start in if the app needs a working directory. Mac: Delete the old alias and create a new one (right-click target > Make Alias).
  • Good: Shortcut updated and working.
  • Bad: Updating fails or the shortcut still does not work—recreate the shortcut.

Recreate shortcut

Goal: Create a new shortcut when the old one cannot be fixed.

  • Delete the old shortcut. Find the target file or folder. Windows: Right-click > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). Or hold Alt and drag to create a shortcut. Mac: Hold Option and drag, or right-click > Make Alias. Place the new shortcut where you want it.
  • Good: New shortcut works.
  • Bad: Target not found—reinstall the app or restore from backup. For work/school apps, contact IT.

When to get help

  • The shortcut is for a work or school application and you lack permission to fix it—contact IT.
  • The target is on a network drive and the path or mapping changed—contact IT to remap or fix the path.
  • The target appears to be a system or protected file—do not create shortcuts to unknown locations; ask IT or a technician.

Verification

  • The shortcut opens the target file, folder, or application.
  • No “file not found” or “access denied” errors.
  • The shortcut works consistently when double-clicked.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Check target Verify the shortcut target path; use "Open file location" (Windows) to confirm the target exists.
  2. Update path If the target moved, update the shortcut path or create a new shortcut.
  3. Run as administrator If the app needs admin rights, check "Run as administrator" (Windows).
  4. Recreate shortcut Delete the old shortcut and create a new one from the target.
  5. Call a pro Work/school app, network path, or system target—contact IT.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Shortcut target path
  • Whether the target file/folder exists
  • Target moved or deleted (yes/no)
  • Steps already tried

Does the shortcut do nothing when you double-click it?

Common: nothing happens, "file not found", or "access denied".

Note the behavior. Nothing = target may be missing. Error = path or permission issue. Check the shortcut target path.
Question

What happens when you double-click?

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You can change your answer later.

Does the target file or folder exist at the path shown?

Right-click shortcut > Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac). Check Target/Original path.

Use "Open file location" (Windows) to verify. If the target exists, the issue may be permissions or "Run as administrator". If the target is missing, the shortcut is orphaned—find the target or create a new shortcut.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Does the app need "Run as administrator"?

Some apps require admin rights.

Right-click shortcut > Properties > Compatibility > check "Run as administrator". Try again. Good: app launches. Bad: still fails—recreate the shortcut.
Question

Need Run as administrator?

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You can change your answer later.

Can you find the target in a new location?

Search for the file or folder by name.

Search for the target. If found, update the shortcut path (Properties > Target) or create a new shortcut. Good: shortcut updated, works. Bad: target deleted—reinstall the app or restore from backup.
Question

Found the target?

Continue

You can change your answer later.

Recreate the shortcut

Delete the old shortcut. Right-click the target file or folder > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). Or drag with Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac). Test the new shortcut.

Done

Call a pro

If the shortcut is for a work/school app, contact IT. If the target is a system file and you cannot locate it, do not create shortcuts to unknown locations—ask IT or a technician.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a shortcut not work?
The target file or folder was moved, renamed, or deleted. The path may be wrong (e.g. drive letter changed, network path disconnected). The target may require administrator rights.
How do I fix a shortcut with a broken path?
Right-click the shortcut > Properties. Check the Target (Windows) or "Open with" (Mac). If the path points to a missing location, browse to the new location and update the path, or delete the shortcut and create a new one.
What if the target was moved to a different drive?
Update the shortcut to point to the new path. Windows: Properties > Target > change the path. Mac: Get Info > change the path or create a new alias. If the drive letter changed (e.g. USB drive), use the correct letter.

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