Pin Custom Files in Windows 8 Start Screen

Question

If I right-click any .EXE file, it has the Pin to Start option:

But, if I right-click any file, it doesn't have the Pin to Start option:

Is there any trick/workaround to pin files to the Start Screen?

Solution 1

Here is a solution

1. Make a shortcut to the file

2. Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs

3. Place your shortcut in the folder

4. Press Windows Key+Q and search the name of your shortcut

5. Right click on the file and select "Pin to Start"

Good Luck!

Solution 2

For folders, the Pin to start option still exists without installing any additional software

For individual files, you will probably have to use additional software like that recommended by @Root. Full details on pinning to the start screen are covered in the article linked.

Solution 3

I found a great utility called Start Screen Pinner which lets you pin files, folders, libraries and even special folders to the Start Screen.

Comments

[Prasanth]

came here to say this. :)

[corwin01]

You don't even need a 3rd party utility, see my answer below.

[Achal Dave]

this doesn't seem to work anymore (at least, Windows 8 doesn't show me "Pin to start" on shortcuts)

[Dan Nissenbaum]

Shame on Microsoft for not allowing users to pin items of their choice to the Start screen in Windows 8. This is deliberate on their part, and there is no excuse for it.

[sree]

Or to C:\Users\yourloginname\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Sta‌​rt Menu\Programs folder if you want the shortcut to appear just for your login.

[interstar]

certainly doesn't work with shortcuts in Windows 10