I used to have a desktop similar to JPGs, until I learned how to use a couple of key features that Windows 10 introduced. Keeping in mind that opening any of the docs or apps using the desktop icons takes two rapid clicks, I kept it to two clicks, but a little slower, which has reduced my hand pain caused by repetitive stress disorder (RSD). Several of the system utilities can be accessed by right-clicking the Start button, so that is two clicks (one right and one left-click) to open something like Devices or System. Slowing the clicks down and moving between the fingers helps to reduce RSD.
For the folder shortcuts, I add the folders to the Favorites list by right-clicking the folder. This allows me to right-click on the Folder Explorer on the toolbar and click the folder I want from the list, two clicks. W10 has a restriction on the number of favorites displayed on that list, but this can be increased by changing a registry setting if you have a large enough monitor to show a longer list. A similar trick also works for most application documents, like Word docs or Excel workbooks. First you open the document, then right-click on the Application’s icon on your Toolbar, and then “pin” that document in the list that pops up after you click that icon; two clicks.
Also, I have my folders pretty well organized in a tree, so sometimes I just pin a parent folder to the Favorites list to shorten that list. Yes, that adds a couple of clicks, but I trade that for a better view of desktop wallpaper, which is chosen to reduce the stress I get from using a computer. Computer use stresses me out.
I have a bunch of Word and Excel documents that I use all the time and now they are all pinned to their respective lists rather than cluttering my desktop. This trick works for most applications, and these can be changed as needed. For example, I use Microsoft Visio for network design, room layout, and my woodworking drawings. Since I only work on these for a set period before completing them and moving on to the next project, the “Pinned” drawings on this list changes frequently.
I, like Dusty, keep more apps pinned to my toolbar, primarily to allow this quick access. Since some of my apps can be accessed through their icon in the Toolbox (next to the clock in the lower right corner), I make sure the Toolbox shows the ones I use most often. In the Appearance module in Settings, there is a link that takes you to a window that lets you choose which icons show in the toolbox. I turn on only the ones I want to always show. Then I can right click on those icons to open them or open one of their features. For instance, I have an app called Snag-It, which allows me to take screenshots, edit them, and then save them to many different file and image formats. Right-clicking on that icon allows me to open the Snag-it Editor in only two clicks, one right and one left.
I know a lot of people forget about the right-click, but it allows you to do so much to minimize your number of clicks to directly access your most used features. Right-click is your friend.
I hope there’s at least one tip that is useful in this post.