How to run .lnk files with spaces using command prompt? [duplicate]

Question

I couldn't seem to find the answer. I know that to run .lnk files it would be like: start shortcut.lnk

It works on shortcuts without spaces. But let's say that the shortcut has a space on it, for example, "short cut", I can't seem to run it.

I tried running:

start short cut.lnk

And it will only read "short".

I also tried running:

start "short cut.lnk"

And it will open a new command prompt running as administrator on the same directory.

It a Windows behavior, period. If you are calling a .lnk or .url, or .exe... if there are spaces in the path, you need "Path\and the file.ext" — Austin T French, Commented Jul 7, 2013 at 19:58
Well, I could swear that double quotes will work. But in that case they don't. See my screenshot — nixda, Commented Jul 7, 2013 at 20:02
@AthomSfere That sucks... thanks for the clarification though. — Phil A, Commented Jul 7, 2013 at 20:17
@YungPizzay It's strange that just typing start Short Cut.lnk didn't work for you, I just tested it and it worked first time. — Michael Frank, Commented Jul 7, 2013 at 21:11
@nixda: Just tried "C:\Users\Username\Desktop\New folder\Windows Notepad.lnk" and of course Notepad popped up right on cue. No need even to use start. — Karan, Commented Jul 7, 2013 at 21:20

Michael Frank · Accepted Answer · 2013-07-07 21:14:06Z

8

You need to double quote the text before the extension like so:

enter image description here

answered Jul 7, 2013 at 21:14

Michael Frank

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