How to create Windows 8 Start Screen shortcut tiles manually and manage them

Ever wonder what folder stores the shortcut tiles that are seen on your Windows 8 Start Screen? This guide will briefly showcase the location of the tiles so you can manually delete, edit, or add your own tiles.
In essence, shortcuts can be created on the Start Screen by simply creating a folder in "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs". You can even create multiple shortcuts to the same exe or app with the same AppID will result in only one shortcut displayed on the Start Screen. All you need to do is create your shortcut in the above mentioned location and you are set. Your shortcut will even display under the Apps page and can also be found via the Search Charm. Pretty cool stuff.

Source: 

MSDN