Which feature allows users to create desktop shortcuts for frequently used applications?

Taskbar pinning is the feature that allows users to create desktop shortcuts for frequently used applications by pinning them directly to the taskbar. This feature provides quick access to applications without needing to navigate through other menus or folders. When an application is pinned to the taskbar, it remains there even after closing, allowing users to launch it with a simple click at any time.

This method is particularly useful for enhancing productivity, as users can customize their workspace according to their most-used applications. By keeping these shortcuts readily accessible in the taskbar, they can streamline their workflow and reduce the time spent searching for applications in different areas of the operating system.

Other options like the context menu, start menu, and file explorer serve different purposes: the context menu provides options based on right-click actions, the start menu organizes and launches applications but doesn't directly create shortcuts, and file explorer is primarily used for navigating and managing files rather than creating shortcuts on the desktop or taskbar.