Frustrations with Windows: Why Does “Open Application Location” Lead to Shortcuts Instead?

As a user of Windows 10, you might have experienced a common annoyance when navigating through the operating system. Have you ever right-clicked on an application in your search menu and then selected “Open file location,” only to be directed to a folder filled with shortcuts? If this has happened to you, rest assured you are not alone.

For many of us, this feature seems counterintuitive. In my personal experience, I have never found this shortcut-finding function particularly useful. Instead, what I often seek is the genuine location of the executable file for an application. Unfortunately, this process usually involves navigating through several folders in Windows Explorer, such as Local Disk > Program Files > [Application Developer] > [Application Name].

This repetitive journey can feel tedious, especially when all I want is quick access to the actual program file. Is there an alternative solution to obtain the real location of an application without having to dig through multiple directories?

If you’ve been longing for a more streamlined experience or have discovered tips and tricks on how to bypass this shortcut dilemma, feel free to share your insights in the comments below. Let’s work together to find a practical resolution to this frustrating Windows feature!