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Overview

The installer automatically creates a convenient desktop shortcut named “Gemini CLI.lnk” that allows you to launch Gemini CLI with a single double-click. This shortcut is created during Step 3/3 of the installation process.

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Shortcut Creation

The installer creates the shortcut automatically (lines 105-109 of the batch file): 
set "SHORTCUT_PATH=%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\Gemini CLI.lnk"
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "$WshShell = New-Object -ComObject WScript.Shell; 
  $Shortcut = $WshShell.CreateShortcut('%SHORTCUT_PATH%'); 
  $Shortcut.TargetPath = 'powershell.exe'; 
  $Shortcut.Arguments = '-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NoExit -Command ""gemini""'; 
  $Shortcut.WorkingDirectory = '%USERPROFILE%'; 
  $Shortcut.IconLocation = 'powershell.exe,0'; 
  $Shortcut.Description = 'Launch Gemini CLI'; 
  $Shortcut.Save()"
You’ll see a confirmation message when the shortcut is created successfully:
OK. Created "Gemini CLI.lnk" shortcut on desktop.

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Shortcut Location

The shortcut is placed on your desktop: 
C:\Users\YourUsername\Desktop\Gemini CLI.lnk
Where YourUsername is your Windows username.

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How to Use the Shortcut

1

Locate the Shortcut

Find the “Gemini CLI” shortcut icon on your desktop.Icon: The shortcut uses the PowerShell icon (blue/white design)
2

Double-Click to Launch

Double-click the shortcut to launch Gemini CLI.What happens:
  • A new PowerShell window opens
  • The window title is “Gemini CLI”
  • The gemini command executes automatically
  • The window stays open for you to interact with Gemini CLI
3

Start Using Gemini CLI

Once the PowerShell window opens, Gemini CLI is ready to use.You can immediately start typing commands or queries.

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Shortcut Properties

The desktop shortcut is configured with these properties:
PropertyValueDescription
Targetpowershell.exeLaunches PowerShell
Arguments-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NoExit -Command "gemini"Runs gemini with bypass policy, keeps window open
Working Directory%USERPROFILE%Starts in your user profile folder (e.g., C:\Users\YourUsername)
Iconpowershell.exe,0Uses PowerShell’s default icon
Description”Launch Gemini CLI”Tooltip when hovering over shortcut

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Technical Details

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Execution Policy Bypass

The shortcut uses -ExecutionPolicy Bypass to ensure Gemini CLI can run without PowerShell script execution restrictions: 
powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NoExit -Command "gemini"
The -ExecutionPolicy Bypass flag only applies to this specific PowerShell session and doesn’t change your system’s global execution policy.

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No Exit Flag

The -NoExit parameter keeps the PowerShell window open after the gemini command completes:
  • Benefit: Allows you to continue using Gemini CLI
  • Behavior: Window stays open even if the initial command finishes
  • Closing: You must manually close the window when done

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Working Directory

The shortcut starts in your user profile directory: 
C:\Users\YourUsername
Why this matters:
  • Any relative file paths you use will be relative to this directory
  • You can easily change to another directory using cd after launch
  • This is a neutral starting location that works for most use cases

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Customizing the Shortcut

You can customize the shortcut to better suit your needs:

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Change the Icon

1

Right-click the shortcut

Right-click “Gemini CLI.lnk” on your desktop
2

Select Properties

Choose “Properties” from the context menu
3

Change Icon

Click the “Change Icon” button and browse for a custom icon file (.ico)
4

Apply Changes

Click “OK” to save your changes

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Change the Working Directory

To start in a different folder:
  1. Right-click the shortcut and select “Properties”
  2. Find the “Start in” field
  3. Change it to your preferred directory (e.g., C:\Projects)
  4. Click “OK”
Example: If you frequently work with files in C:\Projects, set this as the working directory.

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Add Custom Arguments

You can modify the shortcut to pass additional arguments to Gemini CLI:
  1. Right-click the shortcut → Properties
  2. In the “Target” field, modify the arguments after "gemini"
  3. Example: powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NoExit -Command "gemini chat"
Be careful when modifying the Target field. Incorrect syntax can prevent the shortcut from working.

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Troubleshooting the Shortcut

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Shortcut Not Created

Symptom: No “Gemini CLI.lnk” file appears on desktop Possible causes:
  • PowerShell execution was blocked
  • Insufficient permissions
  • Desktop folder is redirected (corporate environment)
Solution:
  1. Run the installer again as administrator
  2. Or manually create the shortcut:
    • Right-click desktop → New → Shortcut
    • Target: powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NoExit -Command "gemini"
    • Name: “Gemini CLI”

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Shortcut Shows Error When Clicked

Symptom: Error message appears when double-clicking Common errors:
  • “‘gemini’ is not recognized as an internal or external command”
Solution:
  1. Verify Node.js and Gemini CLI are installed: 
    node -v
npm list -g @google/gemini-cli
  2. Restart your computer to refresh PATH environment variable
  3. Re-run the installer if components are missing

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PowerShell Window Closes Immediately

Symptom: Window flashes briefly then closes Why this happens: This shouldn’t occur due to the -NoExit flag Solution:
  1. Check the shortcut properties to ensure -NoExit is present
  2. If missing, edit the shortcut to add the -NoExit parameter
  3. The correct target should be: 
    powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NoExit -Command "gemini"

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Shortcut Works But Authentication Required Every Time

Symptom: Each launch prompts for authentication Cause: Authentication tokens not being saved properly Solution:
  • Ensure you complete the full authentication flow during first launch
  • Check that your user profile directory is writable
  • Verify antivirus isn’t blocking Gemini CLI from saving configuration

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Moving or Copying the Shortcut

You can move the shortcut to other locations:

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Pin to Taskbar

  1. Right-click the desktop shortcut
  2. Select “Pin to taskbar”
  3. Access Gemini CLI from your taskbar

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Copy to Start Menu

  1. Copy the shortcut
  2. Navigate to: %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
  3. Paste the shortcut
  4. Access from Windows Start menu

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Create Multiple Shortcuts

You can create multiple shortcuts with different configurations:
  • One for interactive mode
  • One that starts directly in chat mode
  • One that opens in a specific working directory

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Alternative Launch Methods

Besides the desktop shortcut, you can also launch Gemini CLI:

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From Any PowerShell Window

Simply type: 
gemini

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From Windows Run Dialog

  1. Press Win + R
  2. Type: powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NoExit -Command "gemini"
  3. Press Enter

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From Command Prompt

powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NoExit -Command "gemini"
The desktop shortcut is the easiest and recommended method for daily use. It saves you from typing the full command each time.

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After Installation Message

The installer provides guidance about using the shortcut (lines 131-134): 
Future Usage
----------------------------------------------------------------
You can launch Gemini CLI at any time from the desktop shortcut.
Once configured, all features are ready to use.
Once you’ve completed the initial authentication, the desktop shortcut provides instant access to all Gemini CLI features.

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Best Practices

  • Keep the shortcut on desktop for easy access
  • Don’t modify the target unless you know what you’re doing
  • Create copies if you need different configurations
  • Pin to taskbar for even faster access
  • Backup the shortcut when setting up a new computer

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Shortcut Not Working After Windows Update

If the shortcut stops working after a Windows update:
  1. Verify PowerShell still works: Press Win + X → “PowerShell”
  2. Check if gemini command works in PowerShell
  3. If not, re-run the installer to update Node.js and Gemini CLI
  4. The installer will recreate the shortcut with correct settings

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Next Steps

Now that you understand the desktop shortcut:
  • Use it to launch Gemini CLI anytime
  • Explore Gemini CLI commands and features
  • Customize the shortcut to match your workflow
  • Pin it to your taskbar for even quicker access

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