“Open File Location” Missing in Right-Click Menu for Shortcuts

When you right-click on a shortcut (.lnk file), the option Open file location may be missing from the right-click menu. This happens if the IsShortcut registry value for .lnk files (Shortcuts) is deleted in an attempt to hide the overlay icon in shortcuts.

To resolve the problem, re-create the IsShortcut registry value.

Method 1

Download and apply the .lnk file association fix for your Operating System:

• File Association Fixes for Windows Vista
• File Association Fixes for Windows 7
• File Association Fixes for Windows 8
• File Association Fixes for Windows 10

Method 2

Click Start, type regedit.exe and press {ENTER}

Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\lnkfile

In the right-pane, create a String value (REG_SZ) named IsShortcut

Exit the Registry Editor, and restart Windows.

Additional Note

For a proper way to remove the shortcut arrow in Windows, see the article How to remove or modify the Shortcut overlay in Windows?