Easily Deploy Desktop Shortcuts with Intune: A Simple Tool for Admins

Table of Contents

Introduction

Creating desktop shortcuts for end users might seem like a small task. However, it plays an important role in boosting productivity and improving the user experience.

Unfortunately, when it comes to large-scale deployments, Intune doesn’t offer a simple way to deploy desktop shortcuts on Windows devices. This can make the process time-consuming and inconsistent.

To address this gap, I’ve developed a tool that simplifies everything. It allows Intune administrators to quickly create desktop shortcuts as a .intunewin package. As a result, the tool helps standardise the process across organisations and saves valuable time.

In addition, it reduces the risk of errors and eliminates repetitive scripting work. Furthermore, the tool is easy to use, even for those with minimal experience.

In the future, this tool could be enhanced to upload shortcuts directly to Intune without user interaction. Therefore, deployments will become even more efficient..

Why Are Desktop Shortcuts Important?

Desktop shortcuts are essential for boosting productivity and streamlining workflows within any organisation. Here’s why they matter:

Quick Access to Resources: Shortcuts provide one-click access to essential applications and files, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple folders. This saves time and effort.
Consistency Across Teams: Centrally deployed shortcuts ensure all team members have the same access points to critical resources, promoting uniformity and reducing miscommunication or inefficiencies.
Reduced Helpdesk Queries: By offering predefined shortcuts to applications, files, or portals, organisations can minimise user confusion and decrease the volume of common helpdesk requests, such as “Where do I find X application?”
Improved Operational Efficiency: Easy access to tools like internal applications, intranet portals, or productivity apps allows employees to perform their tasks without unnecessary interruptions, fostering a smoother workflow.
Support for Standardised Tools: Organisations often rely on tools like Microsoft Store apps (e.g., Company Portal) or shared drives. Predefined shortcuts provide a seamless user experience, aligning with organisational standards and practices.
Enhanced Onboarding: For new hires, having shortcuts to key resources readily available simplifies the onboarding process, helping them adapt quickly to their new role and environment

Challenges with Intune and Desktop Shortcuts

Unlike Android, Intune does not natively support creating and deploying shortcuts on Windows Desktops. As a result, administrators must use PowerShell scripts or other custom solutions, which can lead to:

Inconsistencies: Different scripts and methods used by various teams.
Manual Errors: High risk of mistakes when creating shortcuts manually.
Time Wasted: Repetitive scripting tasks take time away from more strategic work.

The Solution: A Desktop Shortcut Deployment Tool

I created a tool to address these challenges. It generates all the necessary files to deploy a shortcut via Intune as a Win32 app with minimal user input.

What the Tool Does

Prompts you to input shortcut details like name, type, and version.
Generates the following files automatically: (.intunewin, Detection Scrip and the instructions on the details you need to put on Intune)
Simplifies deployment across all managed devices.

How to Access the Tool

Download the executable file: Shortcut_Creator.EXE.
Or use the PowerShell script: Shortcut_Creator.ps1.
If you are going to use the script “.ps1,” ensure you have downloaded the IntuneWinAppUtil.exe utility from Microsoft. and use this command

powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -WindowStyle Hidden -File Shortcut_Creator.ps1

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Desktop Shortcut Deployment Tool

Run the Tool: Launch the application or PowerShell script and follow the prompts. You’ll need to provide the following details:

Shortcut Name: Enter the name you want to assign to the shortcut.

Shortcut Version: Specify the version. This is helpful for future updates to the shortcut.

Shortcut Type: Select the type of shortcut you want to create:

— URL: For web pages, intranet sites, or FTP websites.

— File Path: For executable applications (.exe) already installed on the user’s device or a standard folder.

— Microsoft App (MsApp): For Microsoft Store applications, such as Company Portal or Calculator. This option requires the Microsoft Application User Model ID (AppID), which we’ll discuss later.

In this example, we’ll choose URL to create a webpage shortcut on the user’s desktop.

Provide Shortcut Details: If you chose URL, enter the website link. (This window will vary depending on the type of shortcut you selected.)

Provide the Shortcut’s Icon Location

Choose the Save Location: Specify where you want the tool to save the generated files.

Output Files: The tool will generate the following:

— .intunewin File: Used for packaging the shortcut in Intune.

— Detection Script: A script to detect if the shortcut is deployed correctly.

— Instructions: Details on the configurations to input in Intune.

Creating a Desktop Shortcut for a Microsoft Store App

If you want to create a shortcut for a Microsoft Store application (e.g., Company Portal), follow these steps:

1. Retrieve the AppID

Use the Get-AppxPackage command in PowerShell to find the package full name of the application. Replace Program-Name with the app’s name.

Get-AppxPackage –Name *Program-Name* | Select Name, PackageFullName

For example, the package full name for Company Portal is: Microsoft.CompanyPortal_11.2.1002.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe

2. Run the Shortcut Creator Tool

Launch the Shortcut Creator script or app and provide the required details:

Shortcut Name: Enter the name for the shortcut (e.g., Company Portal).
Version: Specify the version (e.g., 1.0).
Shortcut Type: Select MsApp for a Microsoft Store application.
AppID: Use the package full name, adding !App to the end: Microsoft.CompanyPortal_11.2.1002.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe!App
Save Location: Specify where the output files should be saved (e.g., C:\temp\CompanyPortalShortcut).

Deploying Desktop Shortcuts Through Intune

Prepare the Files: Ensure the tool’s output files, including the .intunewin file and the detection script, are ready for deployment.
Upload to Intune

— Sign in to the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin centre.

— Navigate to Apps > All Apps > Add.

— Select Windows app (Win32) and upload the .intunewin file.

Configure App Information

— Provide the necessary app details, such as Name, Publisher, Version and Description.

— Optionally, add an icon for better identification.

Set Installing commands : Check the generated Instructions file and copy and past the commands. Also, choose System as Install behavior

Powershell command to install the Desktop Shortcuts

Set Detection Rules: Upload the detection script provided by the tool.

Assign the App: Assign the shortcut to the appropriate device or user groups.
Test the Deployment: Verify that the shortcut is created on the targeted devices.

Benefits of Using Desktop Shortcuts Deployment Tool

Standardisation: Ensures consistency across the organisation by following a unified process.
Time-Saving: Reduces repetitive tasks, allowing admins to focus on strategic goals.
Scalability: Simplifies deployment for large-scale environments.
Future-Ready: Potential to automate Intune uploads in future versions, eliminating manual steps.

Conclusion

While desktop shortcuts might seem straightforward, they significantly enhance productivity and improve user experience. As always, it’s crucial to thoroughly test the tool or script on a small scale before initiating a mass deployment. This step ensures reliability and helps identify and resolve any potential issues early on.

This tool empowers Intune administrators to deploy shortcuts with ease, save time, and maintain consistency across the organization.

I value your feedback and suggestions for improvement—let me know how I can make this tool even better!