Although creating desktop shortcuts for Google Maps provides you with instant access to saved map searches via your default Web browser, the ability to directly perform such a task does not exist within Google Maps. The URL bar on your Web browser, however, updates dynamically with the appropriate coordinates as you move through maps, so you can create accurate shortcuts by dragging the URLs to the desktop. Alternately, you can use the "Create Shortcut" function in Windows 8.1 if you prefer a manual approach to creating shortcuts.
Drag and Drop
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When looking at any map in Google Maps, highlight the URL on your Web browser's address bar. If you have your Web browser maximized, either click the "Restore Down" button or press "Alt-Space-R" to display a portion of your desktop. Drag the highlighted URL, then drop it on your desktop to instantly create a shortcut.
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Create Shortcut Function
Highlight the URL on your Web browser's address bar, then press "Ctrl-C" to copy it to your clipboard. Navigate to your desktop, right-click any vacant area, point to "New," then select "Shortcut." On the Create Shortcut pop-up window, right-click within the "Type the Location of the Item" field, then click "Paste" to insert the URL that you copied to your clipboard. Click "Next," enter a name for the shortcut on the following window and then click "Finish" to create the shortcut.