Create a Start Menu Tile from Any URL

[sharpuser]

Windows 10 Build 9926 does not yet allow any existing URL shortcut to be added to the Start Menu as a tile. URLs can be added by actually accessing the link with Internet Explorer, then using the Tool to "Add as an App". But what if you already have a set of URL shortcuts you wish to add?

If you have URL shortcuts you would like to add to your Windows 10 "Apps" list, and as tiles, do this:

1. Edit, Copy your shortcut(s)
2. Browse to

%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu

3. Edit, Paste

Your shortcuts will be added to the Start Menu "Apps" list. From there, Option-click "Add to Start" to create tiles. Resize as desired.

No guarantee that tiles added in this way will persist in subsequent builds, but they probably will.

My favorite shortcut goes to http://www.surfaceforums.net/find-new/posts?recent=1

Enjoy!

 

[sharpuser]

Another useful URL which can be added as a tile is this:

TILE TO COMPOSE EMAIL TO A FREQUENT RECIPIENT
1. Create a shortcut to this URL:

mailto:[EMAIL][email protected][/EMAIL]?subject=hello world

(specify email address and subject as desired)
2. Edit, Copy your shortcut(s)
3. Browse to

%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu

4. Edit, Paste

Your email will be added to the Start Menu "Apps" list. From there, Option-click "Add to Start" to create tiles. Resize as desired.
Your default email client will be used to compose a new message, with the recipient and subject already entered.

 

[sharpuser]

For example, some URLs, such as the "ACTIVE TOPICS" on this forum should not be added with the "Add as an App" tool, because the URL which results is not generic enough to work properly. This is a case where the shortcut:

http://www.surfaceforums.net/find-new/posts?recent=1

could be explicitly added as a tile, using the method posted on this thread.