Understanding a Frustrating Windows Feature: Finding Application Locations

As a Windows 10 user, you’ve probably encountered a rather baffling situation when trying to locate applications through the search menu. You may have right-clicked on an application and selected the “Open file location” option, only to be directed to a folder filled with shortcuts instead of the actual program itself. This has left many users scratching their heads in confusion.

In my own experience, I find that I’ve never once utilized this shortcut feature for locating applications. So, one has to wonder: why does this function exist within Windows 10, and why is it designed in such a perplexing manner?

More often than not, when I intend to locate the true installation directory of an application—bypassing the intricacies of File Explorer—I would prefer being directed to the program’s executable file instead. For example, navigating through paths like Local Disk > Program Files > XYZ Developer > XYZ Application can be tedious, especially when you’re accustomed to quicker methods.

Is there a way to modify this behavior so that the “Open file location” feature leads us directly to the executable file rather than a shortcut folder? To answer this question could greatly enhance our navigation experience on Windows.

If you’ve ever felt the same frustration and are searching for a workaround or a solution to this issue, you’re not alone. Let’s dive deeper into how we can navigate this quirk of the Windows operating system and streamline our application access efficiently.

Stay tuned for tips and solutions that might just save you time and prevent irritation in the future!