If it is not working for all apps you wish to have a desktop shortcut for, then go to the application folders to find the application itself and create a desktop shortcut, again using the 'Send To' process. Keep in mind there are two app folders, one for older 32-bit apps.

In any folder you open on the desktop, there will be a column down the left-side listing places you can go. Desktop, Recent Places, Libraries, Homegroup, etc.
Select Home tab, then Computer > Local Disk (C:)
This will show your app folders to the right-side.



Personally I made a desktop shortcut for Program Files (x86), but that's for personal use of dealing with older apps. (Some older apps had their settings stored within the program's folder.)