How to install program to all user accounts in Windows?

Solution 1:

I assume you're referring to non-metro applications. This answer applies to Windows Vista and later, including Windows 10.

Some program installers only create the application's shortcuts in the account that was used to install the program. Typically all one needs to do to make the program accessible to all users on the computer is copy these shortcuts to a location that all users can access, such as the Public Desktop or Start Menu. To do so:

1. Find the application's shortcut icon(s) in the installing user's account. Common places where icons are created:
   • User's Start Menu:
     C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs¹
   • User's Desktop:
     C:\Users\<username>\Desktop²
2. Copy the shortcut(s) to one or both of the following locations:
   • All Users' Desktop:
     C:\Users\Public\Public Desktop
   • All Users' Start Menu:
     C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs³