Question

Is there a way to launch a desktop application from a Metro-style app on Windows 8? I’m trying to create some simple shortcuts to desktop applications to replace the desktop icons on the start screen, which look out of place.

I just need something super simple, preferably in C#, to open an application as soon as the app loads. I’m planning on making these shortcuts for some games, photoshop, etc, not anything I’ve made myself. They’re also just for personal use, so I can use direct paths to applications like "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim\TESV.exe"

Answer 1

If you simply want to run a desktop application like (notepad, wordpad, internet explorer etc) then go through Process Methods and ProcessStartInfo Class

try
{
// Start the child process.
    Process p = new Process();
    // Redirect the output stream of the child process.
    p.StartInfo.UseShellExecute = false;
    p.StartInfo.FileName = "C:\Path\To\App.exe";
    p.Start();
}

// Exp 2

// Uses the ProcessStartInfo class to start new processes,
// both in a minimized mode.
void OpenWithStartInfo()
{
    ProcessStartInfo startInfo = new ProcessStartInfo("IExplore.exe");
    startInfo.WindowStyle = ProcessWindowStyle.Minimized;

    Process.Start(startInfo);

    startInfo.Arguments = "www.northwindtraders.com";

    Process.Start(startInfo);
}

On Windows 8 Metro application i discovered this: How to Start a
external Program from Metro App.

All the Metro-style applications work in the highly sand boxed
environment and there is no way to directly start an external
application.

You can try to use Launcher class – depends on your need it may
provide you a feasible solution.

Check this:
Can I use Windows.System.Launcher.LauncherDefaultProgram(Uri) to invoke another metro style app?

Ref: How to launch a Desktop app from within a Metro app?

Metro IE is a special app. You cannot invoke an executable from Metro style apps.

Try this – I have not test yet but may be it will help you..

Launcher.LaunchFileAsync

// Path to the file in the app package to launch
string exeFile = @"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim\TESV.exe";

var file = await Windows.ApplicationModel.Package.Current.InstalledLocation.GetFileAsync(exeFile);

if (file != null)
{
    // Set the option to show the picker
    var options = new Windows.System.LauncherOptions();
    options.DisplayApplicationPicker = true;

    // Launch the retrieved file
    bool success = await Windows.System.Launcher.LaunchFileAsync(file, options);
    if (success)
    {
       // File launched
    }
    else
    {
       // File launch failed
    }
}