A shortcut is a pointer, not a copy
A desktop shortcut doesn't duplicate the program or file it points to -- it's a small pointer file that tells the operating system where the real thing lives. That means deleting a shortcut never deletes the original program, and moving or renaming the original file can break the shortcut's link.
Shortcuts aren't just for installed programs
A shortcut can point to almost anything: a folder you open constantly, a specific document, or -- as a website shortcut -- a single webpage, letting a frequently used site launch straight into a browser tab from the desktop just like any installed app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting a desktop shortcut uninstall the program?
No -- a shortcut is just a link. Deleting it only removes that one-click launch icon; the program itself stays fully installed and can still be opened through its normal location.
Why did my shortcut stop working after I moved or reinstalled the program?
A shortcut points to a specific file location, so moving, renaming, or reinstalling the target somewhere new breaks that link; recreating the shortcut from the program's new location fixes it.