Have just downloaded Google Earth on my laptop using Windows 8.1 and when I create a shortcut for the said program I am taken to the google homepage and not to Google Earth.  Therefore, I cannot access Google Earth from my desktop.  I am frustrated.  Can anybody kindly help me please?  My thanks.  JoeWell, I will try. The download may take a few minuets to finish. When done you GET a fresh copy of Google Chrome, like it or not.
Google Earth is not a offline program. You still have to have a internet connection for some many features.
You can find it in your programs and from there put a shortcut onto the desktop.

Does this help any?
Many thanks for prompt reply.

I have an internet connection through Mozilla Firefox and have had Google Earth on my desktop for quite some time, without having to be saddled with Google Chrome.  Mind you, I have nothing against Google Chrome, but I use the Google.co.uk as my home page and am very reluctant to change it, as I always get a hard time (as a 75-year-old pensioner) when I tackle something new.  For instance, using Windows 8.1 on my new laptop has given me several headaches until I felt a little confident enough to use it.

Only today I deleted the Google Earth icon o N my desktop ACCIDENTALLY, and when I retrieved it, it WOULD only open the Google homepage NOT Google Earth!

Perhaps you can help me out in some other WAY?

Gratefully yours,

Joe (GUZEPPI) from the Middle Sea.Take a look at my shortcut.
First line says:
Quote

"C:\Program Files\Google\Google Earth\client\googleearth.exe"