Windows 10: a percentage sign shortcut to user desktop? eg. %USERPROFILE% or %SYSTEMROOT%

So, I have been writing a short batch script to distribute and execute on multiple Windows 10 computers with desktop file location located differently. I cannot just insert my current desktop directory into the script and expect it to work on other machines as the directory includes username "C:\Users\user_A\Desktop" and "C:\Users\user_B\Desktop" or even custom directories like "D:\MyFiles\Desktop" that varies depending on the machine. So is there a built-in "function" eg. %userprofile% to go to the user's folder or %systemroot% to go to the Windows f

:)

 

Desktop Shortcut Icons

Hi Mik-Dav,

The desktop shortcut created for a specific website should bear the website's actual logo. With what you've experienced, there could be something wrong with how the shortcut was created.

If you've created the shortcut by selecting Create shortcut, then we suggest that you try the other way, that is by dragging the website icon that appears in the address bar to your desktop. Follow these steps:

• Using Internet Explorer, access a website.
• Once the website opens, you will see its icon in the address bar.
• Click and drag the icon on your desktop.

The website shortcut bearing its actual logo should now be saved on your desktop.

Let us know if you need further help.

Regards.

 

What is %UserProfile% called? IS there a list of such shortcuts?

Hello Broaln,

This is called a variable. %userprofile% points to your userprofile, something like: c:\users\broaln

Basically there are user variables and system variables. User variables apply to the current user and system variables are globally for all users and the system.

To see them form the graphical interface you have to go to the control panel or the settings depending on your Windows version but I belive this link works on all Windows:

You open the run command (WINDOWS + R) type in this:

rundll32.exe sysdm.cpl,EditEnvironmentVariables

and press ENTER

To see a list of variables form the command prompt:

Open a command prompt, type:

set

and press ENTER

To point to the folder you are currently in you can use a dot, period (.). For example if you are in the command prompt and you want to open File Explorer in the directory you are currently in you could use this:

explorer.exe .

If you only want to list the current directory you can use the command: CD

If you want to use a variable in a commad, address bar or the command prompt you should always use the variable inside of porcentage signs (%) to indicate to Windows that you want to use a variable.

ex:

%windir%

%userprofile%

%programfiles%

 

Desktop Shortcut Key

Hi Larry,

Right click your Desktop, choose new Shortcut

In the location box, type explorer.exe and click next

Name that shortcut 'This PC' and click Finish

Does that shortcut work for you?

If say you wanted a shortcut to just your documents folder the location should be set to:

%userprofile%\Documents

If you wanted a shortcut to your User Folder, the location should be set to:

%userprofile%