What OS are you using? What apps are you looking for?
Overall, I believe you may mean the icons: either the application directly or a shortcut icon.
Most applications are installed in the applicable "Program Files" folders.
You should be able to use "WIN" + "E" and then search downwards to the Program Files folders: E.g. "Program Files", and "Program Files (x86)".
64 bit apps and 32 bit apps respectively.
. Create shortcut icons for the applications and then move to the Desktop.