A large shortcut scan can contain valid application links, broken shortcuts, administrative launchers, and genuinely suspicious entries. Filtering helps you review that list, but a filter is not a verdict. Use it to narrow the evidence, then inspect each selected shortcut before quarantine or deletion.
Start with the scan summary
Before filtering, confirm that the scan covered the expected location. Record the counts for directories, files, shortcuts, access errors, skipped reparse points, and any safety limit. A short result list is not meaningful if the scanner could not enter most folders.
Useful filtering strategies
- Validity: isolate shortcuts whose targets cannot be resolved.
- Name: find a known application, project, or copied folder name.
- Target: focus on command interpreters, script hosts, temporary folders, or a retired drive letter.
- Location: compare Desktop, Start menu, removable-drive, and project-folder results separately.
- Risk level or reason: group entries that share a specific, explainable signal.
A safe review sequence
- Show invalid shortcuts first and remove obvious links to software you intentionally uninstalled.
- Filter by the affected USB drive or folder when investigating removable media.
- Review target and arguments for every suspicious result.
- Add an allow rule only for a shortcut you understand; keep the rule narrowly scoped.
- Quarantine uncertain findings and verify that normal workflows still function.
- Export or preserve the action history when the scan is part of an incident.
Filtering broken shortcuts
A broken shortcut usually points to a familiar application or document that moved or was removed. Check network connectivity, cloud sync, drive letters, and working directories before classifying it as permanently invalid. See the broken shortcut repair guide for manual fixes.
Filtering suspicious shortcuts
Prioritize unexpected entries that launch PowerShell, Command Prompt, Windows Script Host, MSHTA, Rundll32, Regsvr32, or unknown files in writable locations. These are review signals, not automatic proof of malware. Scan the shortcut and target with Microsoft Defender, and use the .LNK inspection guide to interpret the details.
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Frequently asked questions
Does filtering change or delete files?
No. Filtering changes which results are visible. A separate, explicit action is required to quarantine or remove a shortcut.
Why does a trusted program appear in suspicious results?
Risk often depends on arguments, location, and context—not just the executable name. Review the complete command before allowing it.
Can I save a filter as proof the system is clean?
No. A filter is a review aid. The scan summary, access errors, action history, and endpoint-protection results provide the broader evidence.