Typically, a computer desktop is filled with various icons—some automatically created by the operating system or installed applications, while others are manually placed by users for quick access. These can be customized based on personal preferences. This article from MiniTool primarily discusses how to remove unnecessary icons from the desktop.

A desktop icon, often referred to as a shortcut, provides a fast way to launch programs, open files, or access specific settings and folders. With just a single click, you can reach your desired destination. Generally, desktop icons fall into three categories:

• System-related icons (like This PC, Recycle Bin, and Control Panel)
• Application shortcuts (such as web browsers, utility tools, or games)
• Shortcuts to files, folders, or locations

The first two types are usually created automatically, whereas the third type is added manually by users. When certain icons no longer serve a purpose, it makes sense to clean them up. But do you know how to remove icons from the desktop? In fact, there are multiple methods available to delete or remove these shortcuts.

Tip: Accidentally deleted a file instead of just the shortcut? Use a trusted data recovery tool immediately to restore the lost file!

How to Remove Desktop Icons on Windows 10

When a desktop shortcut becomes obsolete, you can remove it using one of three straightforward methods.

Directly Delete an Icon from Desktop

This is the most common and straightforward method for removing desktop icons on Windows 10, 8, 7, and other versions.

Step 1: Examine all the icons on your desktop.
Step 2: Right-click the icon you wish to remove.
Step 3: Select Delete from the context menu.
Step 4: Click Yes when prompted with Are you sure you want to move this shortcut to the Recycle Bin.

As the message indicates, the shortcut will be moved to the Recycle Bin and remain there temporarily.

How to permanently delete a desktop shortcut? Here are three options:

1^st method: Delete from Recycle Bin.

1. Open the Recycle Bin.
2. Select the shortcut and press Delete on your keyboard.
3. Confirm by clicking Yes in the pop-up window.
   Alternatively, right-click the item and choose Delete.

2^nd: Empty the Recycle Bin.

1. Right-click the Recycle Bin icon.
2. Choose Empty Recycle Bin.
3. Click Yes to confirm.

3^rd method: Use Shift Delete.

1. Select the desktop icon.
2. Press Shift Delete on your keyboard.
3. Click Yes to confirm permanent deletion.

Additionally, you can hide all desktop icons without deleting them using the Show desktop icons option.

1. Right-click any empty space on the desktop.
2. Go to View.
3. Click Show desktop icons to toggle visibility.
4. All icons will instantly disappear.

To restore them, simply repeat the steps.

Remove Icons via the Desktop Folder in File Explorer

Another way to manage desktop shortcuts is through the actual Desktop folder.

1. Launch File Explorer using Win E or another method.
2. Type %userprofile%\desktop into the address bar.
3. Press Enter or click the forward arrow.
4. Browse the contents and select the unwanted icon.
5. Right-click and choose Delete, or press Delete/Shift Delete on the keyboard.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Yes.

[SOLVED] Windows Explorer Needs To Be Restarted: Problem Fixed.

Remove System Icons from the Desktop

For system icons like This PC or Control Panel, the Delete option may not appear when right-clicking. To hide these:

1. Make sure the desktop is visible.
2. Right-click and select Personalize.
3. In the left panel, click Themes.
4. Scroll down to the Related Settings section on the right.
5. Click on Desktop icon settings.
6. Uncheck the icons you want to hide.
7. Click OK to apply the changes.

That concludes the guide on how to remove icons from the desktop in Windows 10. The process is similar across other Windows versions.

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