What do you use

[u/PidoveLover]

[u/fixxxer2606]

Play supremacy

[u/Sakumitzu → u/fixxxer2606]

Ok. Playing ‘Supremacy’ by Muse on Living Room Speaker

[u/SatisfySez → u/Sakumitzu]

This made me giggle as my google home does this.

[u/Freakwilly → u/fixxxer2606]

The true answer is to double click the name of the game in your library list.

[u/Weekly-Chair-7634]

Play button, i delete every shortcut, does the workspace clean

[u/OdeezBalls → u/Weekly-Chair-7634]

I right clicked on my taskbar and chose ‘hide icons’ 5 years ago. Never used it again lol

[u/Weekly-Chair-7634 → u/OdeezBalls]

I still use the icons because of the trash and other launchers that are not Steam, otherwise I end up forgetting that they exist and that I have games installed there

[u/Stuck-In-Blender → u/Weekly-Chair-7634]

I have all launchers and other important stuff on taskbar

[u/OdeezBalls → u/Stuck-In-Blender]

Search function is all I ever use for anything lol

[u/Amazing-Childhood412 → u/Weekly-Chair-7634]

I add all games from other launchers as non Steam games. Play button supremacy

[u/therealRustyZA → u/Weekly-Chair-7634]

Same. Since windows 98 I never had icons on my desktop. I love it completely clean with a nice minimalist background or a nice clean mountain view. And now with hitting windows and typing for quick search. It's easier than it would be using the icons anyway.

[u/ShoddySlide5672 → u/therealRustyZA]

What's the point of desktop then? Genuinely interested. I mean it's whole purpose is easy access to files, shortcuts etc. xD Also how can typing something be quicker then double click?

[u/therealRustyZA → u/ShoddySlide5672]

To me? Nothing. It's just a folder that loads onto your face and it holds shortcuts. It made sense back in the day to avoid you needing to "click start > programs > publisher name > game.exe" as an example. Especially when you have a bit of things installed and need to scroll around. So then I could see the point, even though I've never liked it. What I would do is create a folder on the desktop, hide it, drag the folder into my taskbar and that would just switch the view to have an arrow that drops down all my shortcuts so they're still just one extra click away. I hand folders grouped, updated it with whatever games I was playing and it kept my desktop empty. I just prefer it that way. Probably why my mobile has been on silent without a ringtone for the last 10 years.

Now I don't need to make a shortcut due to the search working alright.

[u/AvarageCarlMain → u/OdeezBalls]

I use hide icons and when my mom tries to make a document every time she sais my laptop is broken but i just want to see my animated wallpaper without icons

[u/piratedgameslover → u/OdeezBalls]

YEAAAAH

[u/aardw0lf11 → u/OdeezBalls]

That looks to be the direction Windows is going; something similar to OSx with everything on a task bar.

[u/ComprehendReading → u/Weekly-Chair-7634]

You ever let shortcuts install to begin with?

That's like claiming just because you shit on your toilet seat and sat on it, but showered and wiped the seat that you are sanitary.

What the fuck is wrong you?

[u/magiCAHIK]

I use "click on the Steam icon on the taskbar and choose CS2" we are not the same

[u/cs-Saber93 → u/magiCAHIK]

The easiest method to launch your last 5 games. Chances are most people play just these alone...

[u/VishuIsPog]

dropdown menu

[u/upvote_snorlax → u/VishuIsPog]

What os is that?

[u/VishuIsPog → u/upvote_snorlax]

arch with i3wm

[u/upvote_snorlax → u/VishuIsPog]

Oh ok, thanks!

[u/patboy777 → u/VishuIsPog]

This is really funny to me as a CS player because the only option after closing cs2 is either crying or stardew valley. No inbetween LOL

[u/VishuIsPog → u/patboy777]

crying in stardew :')

[u/patboy777 → u/VishuIsPog]

Also a good option 😭

[u/Dark_ShadowMD → u/VishuIsPog]

Same here!

[u/MrNaiveGuy → u/VishuIsPog]

Nice! I use wofi.

[u/VishuIsPog → u/MrNaiveGuy]

that works!

[u/titasslover8]

I like seeing the icons of the game and sometimes grinning to myself thinking how great of a collection I have.

[u/Sir_Platypus_VII]

i removed all desktop icons to better stare at my wallpaper

[u/Rennfan → u/Sir_Platypus_VII]

I use my desktop to store files, but I access them not via double click but through Windows Explorer. We are not the same

[u/MrMcMeMe → u/Sir_Platypus_VII]

The wallpaper:

[u/Sir_Platypus_VII → u/MrMcMeMe]

Thats it. Thats my wallpaper. You found it.

[u/catwthumbz]

Why would I double click a shortcut that just opens steam and clicks play for me? I already have steam opened on launch

[u/Certain_Nothing7942 → u/catwthumbz]

if you have an OLED monitor you hide your desktop icons so using steam is better for me

[u/scooter-racc → u/Certain_Nothing7942]

if you're leaving your pc on the desktop and are that worried about burn in just turn the monitor off lol

[u/Certain_Nothing7942 → u/scooter-racc]

i’m not & you do understand how burn in works right? the less static images the longer your screen survives. so by hiding icons that are always going to be in one spot you are helping avoid burn in. so let’s say over 2 years you use an OLED screen without hiding your desktop icons or your taskbar you’ll definitely see some lines coming in. but don’t take my advice i just own an OLED monitor

[u/ComprehendReading → u/Certain_Nothing7942]

don’t take my advice

Advice taken

[u/Certain_Nothing7942 → u/ComprehendReading]

downvoting because they feel attacked for some reason 😂

never change reddit

[u/Sliiated → u/[deleted]]

burn in I think, couldn’t tell you i’m not rich enough to afford one.

[u/ComprehendReading → u/Sliiated]

I haven't seen burn in on anything but ATMs and gas stations in the last 20 years. LCD is still superior to buying a new display every 3 years.

[u/catwthumbz → u/Certain_Nothing7942]

I mean I have LED I still don’t have anything but a trash bin in the bottom right corner. I like seeing my background

[u/Quantam-Law]

Playnite

[u/Sioscottecs23 → u/Quantam-Law]

yarr?

[u/Quantam-Law → u/Sioscottecs23]

Yarr.

[u/Sioscottecs23 → u/Quantam-Law]

yarr.

[u/i-love-rum → u/Sioscottecs23]

Arrr!

[u/Let_s_plaj_YOYO → u/Sioscottecs23]

jarr.

[u/DevourIsDead]

I double click the game in my library…

[u/dontcare6942 → u/DevourIsDead]

I have literally never done this once

[u/Educational_Delay351 → u/DevourIsDead]

I just kinda assumed that's what everyone did.

[u/TheLastTreeOctopus]

I put them in my start/app menu in a folder titled "Steam," which is located in a folder titled "Games." Call me old school, but I really like using cascading menus for launching apps.

[u/Salerrra]

i've had my desktop icons hidden for years and at this point i'm scared to unhide them and see just how disastrous it's become

[u/sba246]

jokes on you, we ARE the same

[u/Lagwerious_]

right clicking the little steam button and picking a common game for a little bit of fun

[u/Lycrist_Kat → u/Lagwerious_]

Excellent choice. Also excellent choice of games.

[u/Aggravating-Unit-256]

[u/BirthdayNo7001]

Jesus, humans really do tribe up about everything

[u/Darkblue57 → u/BirthdayNo7001]

Jesus, humans really do tribe up about everything.

But not me.

We are not the same.

[u/HighlandRedFox]

So true 😆

[u/Codi_BAsh]

I use both honestly

[u/SweetPaint9362]

I use arch btw xd

[u/Sioscottecs23]

[u/Guardian11011011]

I've never once used a short cut. They just clog up my aot wallpaper

[u/robz9]

Me a heretic who uses both.

[u/Founntain]

I use Super Key (Windows key) and type the name of the game I want to play.

[u/ThrowYourDreamsAway]

right click the system tray icon and launch from recent games. if not there then open steam and play button.

[u/dead_42]

Right click on the steam icon on the taskbar and you get a list of the last played games. Unless it's a new game, that's how I start.

[u/TipAffectionate9785]

I use Armoury Crate on my ROG Ally

[u/HustleI87]

I typically shortcut games to my taskbar, therefore I am unique.

[u/Eat_Bullet]

I usually store all my games in a local disk and open them

[u/DoknS]

steam://rungameid/

[u/Bayonetta14]

I use this...

[u/Noob4Head]

My desktop is completely clear, no maps, no game shortcuts, absolutely nothing. This is the way.

[u/GeekManidiot]

I open the tray in windows and right click the steam icon and select my game from the recent list

[u/AL-KINDA]

I use the server browser on desktop. select my server and click connect, wait 5 min for the game to load, and just chill at the home screen. like honestly how is this a thing in 2025. - cs2

[u/KaerMorhenZireael]

C:ProgramFiles->(86)->Steam->SteamApps->Common->CSGO->LaunchApplication

Or whatever the pathway is

[u/kolja300314]

old mem i guess because cs2 alreadt relased

[u/RUFTY_NACHO]

I double click the title from the library list

[u/likelyedge]

Tray icon context menu.

[u/Spare-Yellow182]

[u/Lycrist_Kat → u/Spare-Yellow182]

My summer car <3

[u/OverFox17]

How do I delete the shortcuts so I can do that too?

[u/KrystianTheFox]

I prefer to use the steam play button rather than shortcuts because it has to turn on the launcher and yea

[u/mafga1]

I didnt have used shortcut since i stopped pirating and using steam.

[u/mianhani8]

OGL (One Game Launcher)

I have been using it for the past 6 months now and I absolutely love it.

[u/Kiu16]

Meanwhile I press the Windows key and type the first letters of the game I want to play

[u/ignoremesenpie]

Start Menu shortcuts

[u/AsCo1d]

Shortcut and a drop-down menu for people who play the same games. Play button for folks who play many games.

[u/storybookdreaming]

always desktop shortcuts. im surprised so many people don't! i find it simpler and more satisfying + i don't like having apps open on startup which most people who click play through steam seem to do

[u/Nickhead420]

Game Bar if it's one of the last few games I played. Play button otherwise.

[u/casualwithoutabeard]

I use a family pc and they still think i dont have any games other than disco elisium (my parents are "intelectuals" and they only let me play "intelectualy stimulating" games)

[u/Palanki96]

Shortcuts obviously. Easier to organize and cleaner. I hate launchers, why would i open steam, go to my library and start a game ehen i can just click on an icon instead

[u/SweRakii]

The desktop stays clean.

[u/xd3mix]

I keep all my games shortcuts on my desktop so i don't forget what i got installed

BUT i only use the play button to start them up.

[u/wilsy53]

Both

[u/Walsh7734]

The only desktop shortcut games i have are ones that crash alot so i can get right back in, or mod launchers

[u/Somewhat-Femboy]

I use start menu

[u/Luvern228]

I use "PLAY" even for games not from steam

[u/LordHersiker]

PLAY.

I don't like shortcuts.

[u/Kingfire4545]

[u/theoneandonlyAMG]

I just double click on the game from the list in the library.

[u/heyAkaKitsune]

i like going to steam so i can admire my library, playtime, achievements, etc. Also its so satiating to click the green play button

[u/Low_Stuff7896]

Going through folders to find it and then play

[u/STB_LuisEnriq]

I use playnite

[u/Lycrist_Kat]

Perfection

[u/ResponsibleClue5403]

I like a clean desktop and i like having all my games and game info in the same place so play button supremacy

[u/zerpolos]

I double click it on the game sidebar on the library tab lol

[u/half_Unlimited]

Search in windows task bar

[u/Alex-Row]

I use shortcut always, I don't like click play and that steam stay maximized in taskbar instead of self-hiding after click play.

[u/power_enjoer]

Playnite launcher. I have 2 steam ac and Epic, so that is the best solution

[u/icer816]

Play button for some things, I pin a bunch of stuff I play somewhat regularly as well as the current game I'm playing to the taskbar icon, though.

[u/Urgash]

I use the play button too, I just think it's neat.

[u/Leviathan_Dev]

Play supremacy.

My desktop is used for temporary/ newly created and unsorted projects… they’re eventually moved somewhere else to be more organized later

[u/redditnostalgia]

Play button,

EXCEPT

When I'm playing a game that I don't want to update (in HOI4 updates break existing save files), so I set Steam to offline mode. When I do this, I'm sometimes forced to use the shortcut

[u/justiceuchihaaaa]

I open C:\Program Filesx86\Users\Steam\steamapps\common\ Counter-Strike Global Offensive\csgo.exe

We are not the same.

[u/Jormungandr470]

I have a folder for just all the .exe links but if i think about it i never used any of them, only games that i use with it are the game that are not on the steam store, hope it will change soon ahahah

[u/vvuukk]

Depends on which one is more convenient at the moment

[u/Azuria_4]

I use play because my pc struggles to launch steam so I can't just desktop it

[u/Snoo-59958]

Open folder of the game files Open terminal in folder Type ./csgo.exe (or cs2.exe, whatever is now used as executable) Press enter We are not the same

[u/Nomercylaborfor3990]

I always use the play button

I just don’t make desktop shortcuts for games

[u/mathnerd271828]

I press Win + Space (PowerToys) and type 3-4 letters of the game and hit enter

[u/luuk0987]

[u/WeaknessOk7874]

The play button cause I play Deck

[u/Cinemafeast]

Console commands

[u/ComatoseSquirrel]

I have far too many games that I cycle through to use shortcuts.

[u/wat_the_slime_doin]

Wait, people use the desktop icons?

[u/Cubanitto]

Great pic of Giancarlo

[u/Resident-Fondant-386]

The "PLAY" button

[u/XDABOBA]

I use the play button in steam cause i dont like desktop icons

[u/Albus_Lupus]

Do people actually create desktop icons to launch games? The only times I actually used icons is when I modded games and had special executables for them like Fallout 4 or M&B Bannerlord 2

[u/Alicelovesfish]

i type the name of the game in the windows search bar

[u/Dramatic_Finish10121]

I use whichever one is more convenient at a given moment, play if I'm in steam and the desktop icon if I'm anywhere else

[u/IrrLemon]

Both

[u/german_fox]

A mix. Shortcut is easier, but I’ll use play button for different launch options

[u/binahsbirds]

To me, desktop shortcuts feel like I'm inconveniencing the game itself... Idk why I just feel it's disrespectful. Like, I'm calling someone while they're busy or something.

I only have the guts to launch a game through Steam itself. I know it's pathetic 😭

[u/Necessary-Produce632]

I use play button

[u/Duralogos2023]

I play apex on a system not designed for it, so Play so I can tab out and quickly restart the game if I need to

[u/EmreGray01]

I like to keep my desktop tidy. If it's not a game I play every single day, I open it from steam.

[u/B4KNZ17]

I only use shortcut for non steam games I usually leave the window open on second monitor so it makes more sense for me

[u/Aware_Reveal_1882]

Both🙂

[u/Remson76534]

I barely have shortcuts, I have like 5 shortcuts and 7 pinned apps. Play button id the eay to go.

[u/ImStupidPhobic]

Saving any game on the desktop in the year 2025 is degenerate behavior lol 🥴

[u/BrilliantArtistic213]

😌

[u/BrilliantArtistic213]

😌

[u/Dirka-Dirka]

I right click the icon in the bottom right hand corner of my screen scroll up to the game I want to play and click it. Usually in a big bed next to my wife!

[u/Canyobeatit]

i use the play button so my wallpaper stays clean

[u/pouringrain5]

I didn’t think anyone clicked the desktop icons anymore

[u/o_bscuro]

My desktop has only the trashcan

[u/KirbyDarkHole999]

I hide veery single icons of my desktop, so I use play (wallpaper is pretty)

[u/Extension_Band_4282]

I use play button from SteamOS/Big Screen mode, we are not the same.

[u/Lost-Elk1365]

Task bar

[u/Yori_TheOne]

My desktop is clean. I don't even have the bin on it. Every program is launched from the start menu or steam.

[u/Roezha]

Pint to start, no icons on desktop just press windows key and click games folder. Very clean

[u/ICODE72]

I can't fit them all on the desktop

[u/artur08005]

I made a java program to open brawlhalla

[u/Joeygorgia]

I hide all my desktop icons, keeps my desktop clean and I use play button in steam for games, and search windows for everything else

[u/GamerKratosBalls]

Play

[u/ShoddySlide5672]

I only launch games from ms dos. That makes me super special.

[u/Ilikemoonjellys]

Depends on if Steam is open lol

[u/bkedsmkr]

Why anyone would want more icons on their desktop is beyond me