How to not use Wix?

[ali-h2010]

In the guide, it stating that Wix can be used as installer. But the other method is not explained.
I am new to Windows development and haven't used Wix before. Is there a way to continue without adding this dependency ?

Step 5.1: WiX Installer
If you're using WiX for your installer, edit the Product.wxs file to add the two shortcut properties to your Start menu shortcut as seen below....

I am using the latest version of Windows 10 :
(Windows 10, version 1903)

with latest version of Visual Studio 2017
(15.9.160

and Windows 10 SDK
(10.0.18362.0)

[gwynjudd]

Your installation mechanism needs to create the start menu shortcut according to the specified manner.

[MustrumRidcully0]

For testing purposes, you could also use the Windows API.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/shobjidl_core/nn-shobjidl_core-ishelllinkw
Another toast-related project uses this:
https://github.com/mohabouje/WinToast
(But note that project handels toast activations differently, the don't seem to need - and consequencly don't set - the ToastActivatorCLSID.