diff --git a/.github/workflows/branch.yml b/.github/workflows/branch.yml
index 432e915..7597a07 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/branch.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/branch.yml
@@ -259,7 +259,14 @@ jobs:
           Copy-Item "files\Encryption Wizard User Guide v405.pdf"              "$archiveDir\"
           Copy-Item "files\Getting_Started_with_Encryption_Wizard_4.0.005.txt" "$archiveDir\"
           Copy-Item "files\Drop_Jar_File_Here_For_Fallback_Launch.bat"         "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.bat"                       "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.ps1"                       "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.vbs"                       "$archiveDir\"
           Copy-Item "files\Encryption Wizard homepage.url"                     "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.vbs"                        "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.ps1"                        "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.bat"                        "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\SHORTCUT_CREATION_README.md"                        "$archiveDir\"
 
           # Application graphics (icon and splash image)
           Copy-Item "build\icon.ico"   "$archiveDir\"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/dev.yml b/.github/workflows/dev.yml
index c9c0cb0..fe1bd2e 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/dev.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/dev.yml
@@ -256,7 +256,14 @@ jobs:
           Copy-Item "files\Encryption Wizard User Guide v405.pdf"              "$archiveDir\"
           Copy-Item "files\Getting_Started_with_Encryption_Wizard_4.0.005.txt" "$archiveDir\"
           Copy-Item "files\Drop_Jar_File_Here_For_Fallback_Launch.bat"         "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.bat"                       "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.ps1"                       "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.vbs"                       "$archiveDir\"
           Copy-Item "files\Encryption Wizard homepage.url"                     "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.vbs"                        "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.ps1"                        "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.bat"                        "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\SHORTCUT_CREATION_README.md"                        "$archiveDir\"
 
           # Application graphics (icon and splash image)
           Copy-Item "build\icon.ico"   "$archiveDir\"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/main.yml b/.github/workflows/main.yml
index ea8fb53..c39b0aa 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/main.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/main.yml
@@ -255,7 +255,14 @@ jobs:
           Copy-Item "files\Encryption Wizard User Guide v405.pdf"              "$archiveDir\"
           Copy-Item "files\Getting_Started_with_Encryption_Wizard_4.0.005.txt" "$archiveDir\"
           Copy-Item "files\Drop_Jar_File_Here_For_Fallback_Launch.bat"         "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.bat"                       "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.ps1"                       "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.vbs"                       "$archiveDir\"
           Copy-Item "files\Encryption Wizard homepage.url"                     "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.vbs"                        "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.ps1"                        "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.bat"                        "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\SHORTCUT_CREATION_README.md"                        "$archiveDir\"
 
           # Application graphics (icon and splash image)
           Copy-Item "build\icon.ico"   "$archiveDir\"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
index ca976b4..a1ddd21 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -257,7 +257,14 @@ jobs:
           Copy-Item "files\Encryption Wizard User Guide v405.pdf"              "$archiveDir\"
           Copy-Item "files\Getting_Started_with_Encryption_Wizard_4.0.005.txt" "$archiveDir\"
           Copy-Item "files\Drop_Jar_File_Here_For_Fallback_Launch.bat"         "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.bat"                       "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.ps1"                       "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.vbs"                       "$archiveDir\"
           Copy-Item "files\Encryption Wizard homepage.url"                     "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.vbs"                        "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.ps1"                        "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.bat"                        "$archiveDir\"
+          Copy-Item "files\SHORTCUT_CREATION_README.md"                        "$archiveDir\"
 
           # Application graphics (icon and splash image)
           Copy-Item "build\icon.ico"   "$archiveDir\"
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 25cadf6..05739ad 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,2 +1,28 @@
 # em-win
 Encryption Wizard bundling repo for windows that includes a launch4j exe launcher, JRE, and installer
+
+## Features
+
+- Windows installer (Inno Setup) with per-user and system-wide installation options
+- Portable ZIP archive with bundled JRE
+- Launch4j-generated EXE with embedded JAR
+- Desktop shortcut creation utilities for easy access
+- File type associations for `.wza`, `.wzd`, and `.wzk` files
+
+## Desktop Shortcut Creation
+
+The bundle includes three utilities to create a desktop shortcut that uses the bundled JRE to launch Encryption Wizard:
+
+- `Create_Desktop_Shortcut.bat` - Batch file (recommended for most users)
+- `Create_Desktop_Shortcut.ps1` - PowerShell script
+- `Create_Desktop_Shortcut.vbs` - VBScript
+
+Simply double-click any of these files to create a shortcut on your desktop. See `SHORTCUT_CREATION_README.md` for detailed instructions.
+
+## Build Process
+
+The CI/CD workflows automatically:
+1. Download and configure a minimal JRE using jlink
+2. Build the EXE with Launch4j (embeds the JAR)
+3. Create the installer with Inno Setup
+4. Package a portable ZIP archive with all necessary files
diff --git a/config/installer.iss b/config/installer.iss
index 2a4704f..2d3bd4e 100644
--- a/config/installer.iss
+++ b/config/installer.iss
@@ -100,9 +100,19 @@ Source: "..\files\Getting_Started_with_Encryption_Wizard_4.0.005.txt"; DestDir:
 ; Fallback JAR launcher (for users who already have a JRE in PATH)
 Source: "..\files\Drop_Jar_File_Here_For_Fallback_Launch.bat"; DestDir: "{app}"; Flags: ignoreversion
 
+; Direct launchers using bundled JRE
+Source: "..\files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.bat"; DestDir: "{app}"; Flags: ignoreversion
+Source: "..\files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.ps1"; DestDir: "{app}"; Flags: ignoreversion
+Source: "..\files\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.vbs"; DestDir: "{app}"; Flags: ignoreversion
+
 ; Homepage shortcut
 Source: "..\files\Encryption Wizard homepage.url"; DestDir: "{app}"; Flags: ignoreversion
 
+; Desktop shortcut creation utilities
+Source: "..\files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.vbs"; DestDir: "{app}"; Flags: ignoreversion
+Source: "..\files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.ps1"; DestDir: "{app}"; Flags: ignoreversion
+Source: "..\files\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.bat"; DestDir: "{app}"; Flags: ignoreversion
+Source: "..\files\SHORTCUT_CREATION_README.md"; DestDir: "{app}"; Flags: ignoreversion
 ; Application graphics (icon and splash image extracted from JAR)
 Source: "..\build\icon.ico"; DestDir: "{app}"; Flags: ignoreversion
 Source: "..\build\splash.png"; DestDir: "{app}"; Flags: ignoreversion
diff --git a/files/Create_Desktop_Shortcut.bat b/files/Create_Desktop_Shortcut.bat
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b931e84
--- /dev/null
+++ b/files/Create_Desktop_Shortcut.bat
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+@echo off
+REM Batch file to create a Windows desktop shortcut for Encryption Wizard
+REM This file uses PowerShell to create the shortcut since batch files cannot
+REM directly create .lnk files.
+REM
+REM Usage: Double-click this file to create a desktop shortcut
+
+setlocal
+
+echo Creating Encryption Wizard desktop shortcut...
+echo.
+
+REM Get the directory where this batch file is located
+set "SCRIPT_DIR=%~dp0"
+
+REM Remove trailing backslash
+if "%SCRIPT_DIR:~-1%"=="\" set "SCRIPT_DIR=%SCRIPT_DIR:~0,-1%"
+
+REM Use PowerShell to create the shortcut
+powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NoProfile -Command ^
+    "$scriptDir = '%SCRIPT_DIR%'; ^
+    $jarFile = Join-Path $scriptDir 'EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar'; ^
+    $javaExe = Join-Path $scriptDir 'jre\bin\javaw.exe'; ^
+    $exeFile = Join-Path $scriptDir 'EncryptionWizard.exe'; ^
+    $workingDir = $scriptDir; ^
+    $desktopPath = [Environment]::GetFolderPath('Desktop'); ^
+    $shortcutPath = Join-Path $desktopPath 'Encryption Wizard.lnk'; ^
+    $shell = New-Object -ComObject WScript.Shell; ^
+    $shortcut = $shell.CreateShortcut($shortcutPath); ^
+    if (Test-Path $exeFile) { ^
+        $shortcut.TargetPath = $exeFile; ^
+        $shortcut.IconLocation = \"$exeFile,0\"; ^
+        $shortcut.Description = 'Encryption Wizard - FIPS-compliant encryption application'; ^
+        Write-Host 'Using EncryptionWizard.exe launcher' -ForegroundColor Green; ^
+    } elseif ((Test-Path $javaExe) -and (Test-Path $jarFile)) { ^
+        $shortcut.TargetPath = $javaExe; ^
+        $shortcut.Arguments = \"-jar `\"$jarFile`\"\"; ^
+        $shortcut.Description = 'Encryption Wizard - FIPS-compliant encryption application'; ^
+        $shortcut.IconLocation = \"$jarFile,0\"; ^
+        Write-Host 'Using bundled JRE to launch JAR' -ForegroundColor Green; ^
+    } else { ^
+        Write-Host 'ERROR: Required files not found!' -ForegroundColor Red; ^
+        Write-Host 'Expected either: EncryptionWizard.exe OR (jre\bin\javaw.exe + EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar)'; ^
+        exit 1; ^
+    } ^
+    $shortcut.WorkingDirectory = $workingDir; ^
+    $shortcut.WindowStyle = 1; ^
+    $shortcut.Save(); ^
+    Write-Host ''; ^
+    Write-Host 'Desktop shortcut created successfully!' -ForegroundColor Green; ^
+    Write-Host \"Shortcut location: $shortcutPath\"""
+
+if %ERRORLEVEL% EQU 0 (
+    echo.
+    echo Success! A shortcut has been created on your desktop.
+) else (
+    echo.
+    echo Failed to create shortcut. See error message above.
+)
+
+echo.
+echo Press any key to continue...
+pause >nul
+
+endlocal
diff --git a/files/Create_Desktop_Shortcut.ps1 b/files/Create_Desktop_Shortcut.ps1
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2c074c1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/files/Create_Desktop_Shortcut.ps1
@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+# PowerShell script to create a Windows desktop shortcut for Encryption Wizard
+# This script creates a shortcut that uses the bundled JRE to launch the JAR file
+#
+# Usage: Right-click and select "Run with PowerShell"
+#        or from PowerShell: .\Create_Desktop_Shortcut.ps1
+#
+# The script assumes it is located in the same directory as:
+#   - EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar
+#   - jre\ subdirectory (containing the bundled Java Runtime)
+
+# Get the directory where this script is located
+$scriptDir = Split-Path -Parent $MyInvocation.MyCommand.Path
+
+# Define paths
+$jarFile = Join-Path $scriptDir "EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar"
+$javaExe = Join-Path $scriptDir "jre\bin\javaw.exe"
+$exeFile = Join-Path $scriptDir "EncryptionWizard.exe"
+$workingDir = $scriptDir
+
+# Get desktop path
+$desktopPath = [Environment]::GetFolderPath("Desktop")
+$shortcutPath = Join-Path $desktopPath "Encryption Wizard.lnk"
+
+# Create WScript Shell object for creating shortcuts
+$shell = New-Object -ComObject WScript.Shell
+
+# Create the shortcut
+$shortcut = $shell.CreateShortcut($shortcutPath)
+
+# Configure shortcut based on what files are available
+if (Test-Path $exeFile) {
+    # If EncryptionWizard.exe exists, use it (it has embedded JAR and icon)
+    $shortcut.TargetPath = $exeFile
+    $shortcut.IconLocation = "$exeFile,0"
+    $shortcut.Description = "Encryption Wizard - FIPS-compliant encryption application"
+    Write-Host "Using EncryptionWizard.exe launcher" -ForegroundColor Green
+}
+elseif ((Test-Path $javaExe) -and (Test-Path $jarFile)) {
+    # Otherwise, use javaw.exe to launch the JAR directly
+    $shortcut.TargetPath = $javaExe
+    $shortcut.Arguments = "-jar `"$jarFile`""
+    $shortcut.Description = "Encryption Wizard - FIPS-compliant encryption application"
+    # Try to use the JAR file itself as icon source (some JARs have embedded icons)
+    $shortcut.IconLocation = "$jarFile,0"
+    Write-Host "Using bundled JRE to launch JAR" -ForegroundColor Green
+}
+else {
+    Write-Host "ERROR: Required files not found!" -ForegroundColor Red
+    Write-Host ""
+    Write-Host "Expected either:"
+    Write-Host "  - EncryptionWizard.exe"
+    Write-Host "OR"
+    Write-Host "  - jre\bin\javaw.exe"
+    Write-Host "  - EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar"
+    Write-Host ""
+    Write-Host "in directory: $scriptDir"
+    exit 1
+}
+
+$shortcut.WorkingDirectory = $workingDir
+$shortcut.WindowStyle = 1  # Normal window
+$shortcut.Save()
+
+Write-Host ""
+Write-Host "Desktop shortcut created successfully!" -ForegroundColor Green
+Write-Host "Shortcut location: $shortcutPath"
+Write-Host ""
+if ($Host.UI.RawUI) {
+    Write-Host "Press any key to continue..."
+    try {
+        $null = $Host.UI.RawUI.ReadKey("NoEcho,IncludeKeyDown")
+    } catch {
+        Start-Sleep -Seconds 2
+    }
+}
diff --git a/files/Create_Desktop_Shortcut.vbs b/files/Create_Desktop_Shortcut.vbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3c62409
--- /dev/null
+++ b/files/Create_Desktop_Shortcut.vbs
@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+' VBScript to create a Windows desktop shortcut for Encryption Wizard
+' This script creates a shortcut that uses the bundled JRE to launch the JAR file
+'
+' Usage: Double-click this file or run: wscript Create_Desktop_Shortcut.vbs
+'
+' The script assumes it is located in the same directory as:
+'   - EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar
+'   - jre\ subdirectory (containing the bundled Java Runtime)
+
+Option Explicit
+
+Dim objShell, objFSO, objShortcut
+Dim strScriptDir, strDesktopPath, strShortcutPath
+Dim strJavaExe, strJarFile, strWorkingDir, strIconFile
+
+' Create shell and file system objects
+Set objShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
+Set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
+
+' Get the directory where this script is located
+strScriptDir = objFSO.GetParentFolderName(WScript.ScriptFullName)
+
+' Define paths
+strJarFile = objFSO.BuildPath(strScriptDir, "EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar")
+strJavaExe = objFSO.BuildPath(strScriptDir, "jre\bin\javaw.exe")
+strWorkingDir = strScriptDir
+
+' Check if EncryptionWizard.exe exists (from Launch4j build)
+Dim strExeFile
+strExeFile = objFSO.BuildPath(strScriptDir, "EncryptionWizard.exe")
+
+' Get desktop path
+strDesktopPath = objShell.SpecialFolders("Desktop")
+strShortcutPath = objFSO.BuildPath(strDesktopPath, "Encryption Wizard.lnk")
+
+' Create the shortcut
+Set objShortcut = objShell.CreateShortcut(strShortcutPath)
+
+' If EncryptionWizard.exe exists, use it (it has embedded JAR and icon)
+If objFSO.FileExists(strExeFile) Then
+    objShortcut.TargetPath = strExeFile
+    objShortcut.IconLocation = strExeFile & ",0"
+    objShortcut.Description = "Encryption Wizard - FIPS-compliant encryption application"
+' Otherwise, use javaw.exe to launch the JAR directly
+ElseIf objFSO.FileExists(strJavaExe) And objFSO.FileExists(strJarFile) Then
+    objShortcut.TargetPath = strJavaExe
+    objShortcut.Arguments = "-jar """ & strJarFile & """"
+    objShortcut.Description = "Encryption Wizard - FIPS-compliant encryption application"
+    ' Try to use the JAR file itself as icon source (some JARs have embedded icons)
+    objShortcut.IconLocation = strJarFile & ",0"
+Else
+    WScript.Echo "ERROR: Required files not found!" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
+                 "Expected either:" & vbCrLf & _
+                 "  - EncryptionWizard.exe" & vbCrLf & _
+                 "OR" & vbCrLf & _
+                 "  - jre\bin\javaw.exe" & vbCrLf & _
+                 "  - EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
+                 "in directory: " & strScriptDir
+    WScript.Quit 1
+End If
+
+objShortcut.WorkingDirectory = strWorkingDir
+objShortcut.WindowStyle = 1  ' Normal window
+objShortcut.Save
+
+' Success message
+WScript.Echo "Desktop shortcut created successfully!" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
+             "Shortcut location: " & strShortcutPath
+
+' Cleanup
+Set objShortcut = Nothing
+Set objFSO = Nothing
+Set objShell = Nothing
diff --git a/files/Launch_Encryption_Wizard.bat b/files/Launch_Encryption_Wizard.bat
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7b7ba73
--- /dev/null
+++ b/files/Launch_Encryption_Wizard.bat
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+@echo off
+REM Launcher for Encryption Wizard using the bundled JRE
+REM This script launches the Encryption Wizard JAR file using the local JRE
+REM located in the jre/ subdirectory.
+REM
+REM Usage: Double-click this file or run from command line with optional arguments
+REM        Launch_Encryption_Wizard.bat [arguments for Encryption Wizard]
+REM
+REM This script expects to find:
+REM   - jre\bin\java.exe (bundled Java Runtime)
+REM   - EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar (the application JAR)
+
+setlocal enableextensions
+
+REM Get the directory where this script is located
+set "SCRIPT_DIR=%~dp0"
+
+REM Remove trailing backslash
+if "%SCRIPT_DIR:~-1%"=="\" set "SCRIPT_DIR=%SCRIPT_DIR:~0,-1%"
+
+REM Define paths
+set "JAVA_EXE=%SCRIPT_DIR%\jre\bin\java.exe"
+set "JAR_FILE=%SCRIPT_DIR%\EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar"
+
+REM Check if the bundled JRE exists
+if not exist "%JAVA_EXE%" (
+    echo ERROR: Bundled JRE not found!
+    echo Expected location: %JAVA_EXE%
+    echo.
+    echo Please ensure the jre directory is in the same location as this script.
+    echo.
+    pause
+    exit /b 1
+)
+
+REM Check if the JAR file exists
+if not exist "%JAR_FILE%" (
+    echo ERROR: Encryption Wizard JAR file not found!
+    echo Expected location: %JAR_FILE%
+    echo.
+    echo Please ensure EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar is in the same location as this script.
+    echo.
+    pause
+    exit /b 1
+)
+
+REM Launch the application with the bundled JRE
+REM Pass all command line arguments to the application
+"%JAVA_EXE%" -jar "%JAR_FILE%" %*
+
+REM Capture the exit code
+set EXITCODE=%ERRORLEVEL%
+
+REM Pause only if there was an error (non-zero exit code)
+if %EXITCODE% neq 0 (
+    echo.
+    echo Encryption Wizard exited with code: %EXITCODE%
+    echo.
+    pause
+)
+
+endlocal
+exit /b %EXITCODE%
diff --git a/files/Launch_Encryption_Wizard.ps1 b/files/Launch_Encryption_Wizard.ps1
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9c145aa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/files/Launch_Encryption_Wizard.ps1
@@ -0,0 +1,79 @@
+# PowerShell launcher for Encryption Wizard using the bundled JRE
+# This script launches the Encryption Wizard JAR file using the local JRE
+# located in the jre/ subdirectory.
+#
+# Usage: Right-click and select "Run with PowerShell"
+#        or from PowerShell: .\Launch_Encryption_Wizard.ps1 [arguments]
+#
+# This script expects to find:
+#   - jre\bin\java.exe (bundled Java Runtime)
+#   - EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar (the application JAR)
+
+# Get the directory where this script is located
+$scriptDir = Split-Path -Parent $MyInvocation.MyCommand.Path
+
+# Define paths
+$javaExe = Join-Path $scriptDir "jre\bin\java.exe"
+$jarFile = Join-Path $scriptDir "EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar"
+
+# Check if the bundled JRE exists
+if (-not (Test-Path $javaExe)) {
+    Write-Host "ERROR: Bundled JRE not found!" -ForegroundColor Red
+    Write-Host "Expected location: $javaExe"
+    Write-Host ""
+    Write-Host "Please ensure the jre directory is in the same location as this script."
+    Write-Host ""
+    if ($Host.UI.RawUI) {
+        Write-Host "Press any key to continue..."
+        try {
+            $null = $Host.UI.RawUI.ReadKey("NoEcho,IncludeKeyDown")
+        } catch {
+            Start-Sleep -Seconds 3
+        }
+    }
+    exit 1
+}
+
+# Check if the JAR file exists
+if (-not (Test-Path $jarFile)) {
+    Write-Host "ERROR: Encryption Wizard JAR file not found!" -ForegroundColor Red
+    Write-Host "Expected location: $jarFile"
+    Write-Host ""
+    Write-Host "Please ensure EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar is in the same location as this script."
+    Write-Host ""
+    if ($Host.UI.RawUI) {
+        Write-Host "Press any key to continue..."
+        try {
+            $null = $Host.UI.RawUI.ReadKey("NoEcho,IncludeKeyDown")
+        } catch {
+            Start-Sleep -Seconds 3
+        }
+    }
+    exit 1
+}
+
+# Launch the application with the bundled JRE
+# Pass all command line arguments to the application
+Write-Host "Launching Encryption Wizard..." -ForegroundColor Green
+Write-Host ""
+
+$arguments = @("-jar", $jarFile) + $args
+$process = Start-Process -FilePath $javaExe -ArgumentList $arguments -Wait -NoNewWindow -PassThru
+
+# Check exit code
+if ($process.ExitCode -ne 0) {
+    Write-Host ""
+    Write-Host "Encryption Wizard exited with code: $($process.ExitCode)" -ForegroundColor Yellow
+    Write-Host ""
+    if ($Host.UI.RawUI) {
+        Write-Host "Press any key to continue..."
+        try {
+            $null = $Host.UI.RawUI.ReadKey("NoEcho,IncludeKeyDown")
+        } catch {
+            Start-Sleep -Seconds 3
+        }
+    }
+    exit $process.ExitCode
+}
+
+exit 0
diff --git a/files/Launch_Encryption_Wizard.vbs b/files/Launch_Encryption_Wizard.vbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..44f61dc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/files/Launch_Encryption_Wizard.vbs
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+' VBScript launcher for Encryption Wizard using the bundled JRE
+' This script launches the Encryption Wizard JAR file using the local JRE
+' located in the jre/ subdirectory.
+'
+' Usage: Double-click this file or run: wscript Launch_Encryption_Wizard.vbs
+'
+' This script expects to find:
+'   - jre\bin\javaw.exe (bundled Java Runtime - GUI mode)
+'   - EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar (the application JAR)
+
+Option Explicit
+
+Dim objShell, objFSO
+Dim strScriptDir, strJavaExe, strJarFile
+Dim intResult
+
+' Create shell and file system objects
+Set objShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
+Set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
+
+' Get the directory where this script is located
+strScriptDir = objFSO.GetParentFolderName(WScript.ScriptFullName)
+
+' Define paths - use javaw.exe for GUI mode (no console window)
+strJavaExe = objFSO.BuildPath(strScriptDir, "jre\bin\javaw.exe")
+strJarFile = objFSO.BuildPath(strScriptDir, "EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar")
+
+' Check if the bundled JRE exists
+If Not objFSO.FileExists(strJavaExe) Then
+    WScript.Echo "ERROR: Bundled JRE not found!" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
+                 "Expected location: " & strJavaExe & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
+                 "Please ensure the jre directory is in the same location as this script."
+    WScript.Quit 1
+End If
+
+' Check if the JAR file exists
+If Not objFSO.FileExists(strJarFile) Then
+    WScript.Echo "ERROR: Encryption Wizard JAR file not found!" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
+                 "Expected location: " & strJarFile & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
+                 "Please ensure EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar is in the same location as this script."
+    WScript.Quit 1
+End If
+
+' Launch the application with the bundled JRE
+' Use javaw.exe which doesn't show a console window
+' Use Run method with wait parameter to wait for completion
+intResult = objShell.Run("""" & strJavaExe & """ -jar """ & strJarFile & """", 1, True)
+
+' Check exit code
+If intResult <> 0 Then
+    WScript.Echo "Encryption Wizard exited with code: " & intResult
+End If
+
+' Cleanup
+Set objFSO = Nothing
+Set objShell = Nothing
+
+WScript.Quit intResult
diff --git a/files/SHORTCUT_CREATION_README.md b/files/SHORTCUT_CREATION_README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1f4e878
--- /dev/null
+++ b/files/SHORTCUT_CREATION_README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+# Creating a Desktop Shortcut for Encryption Wizard
+
+This directory contains several utilities to create a Windows desktop shortcut for Encryption Wizard that uses the bundled JRE to launch the application.
+
+## Quick Start
+
+Simply double-click one of these files to create a desktop shortcut:
+
+- **Create_Desktop_Shortcut.bat** (Recommended - works on all Windows systems)
+- **Create_Desktop_Shortcut.vbs** (Alternative method using VBScript)
+- **Create_Desktop_Shortcut.ps1** (PowerShell script - may require execution policy changes)
+
+## What the Scripts Do
+
+All three scripts perform the same function:
+1. Detect if `EncryptionWizard.exe` exists (created by Launch4j build)
+2. If the EXE exists, create a shortcut pointing to it (uses embedded JAR and icon)
+3. If the EXE doesn't exist, create a shortcut that uses the bundled JRE to launch the JAR directly
+4. Place the shortcut on your Windows desktop
+
+## Icon Support
+
+The shortcuts will attempt to use icons in the following order:
+1. **EncryptionWizard.exe** - If the Launch4j-built executable exists, its embedded icon will be used
+2. **JAR file** - Some JAR files have embedded icons that Windows can extract
+3. **Default Java icon** - If no icon is available, Windows will use the default Java application icon
+
+## Files Required
+
+The scripts expect to find these files in the same directory:
+- `EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar` - The Encryption Wizard application
+- `jre/bin/javaw.exe` - The bundled Java Runtime Environment
+- `EncryptionWizard.exe` - (Optional) The Launch4j-built executable with embedded JAR
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### PowerShell Execution Policy
+If you receive an error about execution policy when running the `.ps1` file:
+1. Right-click the PowerShell script and select "Run with PowerShell"
+2. Or use the `.bat` file instead, which bypasses this issue
+3. Or run this command in PowerShell as Administrator:
+   ```powershell
+   Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser
+   ```
+
+### Missing Files
+If you get an error about missing files:
+- Ensure you're running the script from the correct directory (where the JAR and JRE are located)
+- Check that the `jre` subdirectory exists with the bundled Java Runtime
+- Verify that `EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar` is present
+
+## Manual Shortcut Creation
+
+If the automated scripts don't work, you can create a shortcut manually:
+
+1. Right-click on your desktop and select "New" → "Shortcut"
+2. For the location, enter one of:
+   - Path to `EncryptionWizard.exe` (if available)
+   - OR: `"C:\path\to\jre\bin\javaw.exe" -jar "C:\path\to\EW-Unified-4.0.005-FIPS.jar"`
+3. Name it "Encryption Wizard"
+4. Right-click the shortcut → Properties → Change Icon
+5. Browse to `EncryptionWizard.exe` or the JAR file to extract the icon
+
+## Additional Information
+
+For more information about Encryption Wizard, see:
+- `Getting_Started_with_Encryption_Wizard_4.0.005.txt` - Quick start guide
+- `Encryption Wizard User Guide v405.pdf` - Complete user documentation