Here’s how to create a folder on the desktop for both Windows and Mac. It’s takes only seconds and then you have a handy spot for the things you use most.

But if you prefer to keep local copies of your Office files, or if you use alternative cloud storage services such as Google Drive, you should force Office to save files to your computer.

To create the shortcut, do the following: Using File Explorer, locate the file you want to open when starting your computer. Right-click that file and choose Create Shortcut (Figure D).