So far the only way to launch a Windows 8 Store App (metro, full screen apps) is by going to the new Start Menu. For most user, this is the only reason why they need to go back to the start menu. If the new Start Menu isn’t your cup of tea, then this trick might allow you to skip launching Windows 8 Store App exclusively from the Start Menu. It requires a little bit of PowerShell knowledge to use this trick so it may not as easy and straightforward as other tricks, mostly meant for the savvy users. But you are always welcome to follow and try it out.
Here Are The Steps To Create Windows 8 Store App Shortcut in Desktop
1. Go here download the PowerShell script.
Extract the zip file to some where you can easily accessible from a command prompt
2. Launch Windows PowerShell
Run Import-Module <path_to-script>\CreateWindowsAppsShortcutToDesktop.psm1
If you getting an error as show above, “cannot be loaded because running script is disabled on this system” then that means you need to enable and allow your machine to execute script.
Type Get-ExecutionPolicy
to find out which execution policy your system was set. The default setting is Restricted. It means
Prevents running of all script files, including formatting and configuration files (.ps1xml), module script files (.psm1), and Windows PowerShell profiles (.ps1).
For more info about a list of possible execution policy types go here.
Now enable the policy by typing Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
Run the script again
3. New “New-OSCAppShortcut” command installed
Now by running the PowerShell script, it essentially added a new command prompt utility.
By typing Get-Help New-OSCAppShortcut –Full
to get a list of command params it supports.
4. Create new Shortcut
Now you can type New-OSCAppShortcut
or New-OSCAppShortcut –PinTaskBar
This will add a new shortcut to your desktop
This will add a shortcut to the TaskBar
5. Launch Windows 8 Store App (full-screen apps) from Windows Explorer/Desktop
Now double click the added “WindowsApps” icon, which will show you a list of apps that were showing in the start menu. You can go and launch Windows 8 Store Apps from desktop now instead of going through the start menu.
There you have it, you can now create and add shortcuts of the new Windows 8 Store App, or Metro app from desktop.