How to Remove a Desktop Icon in Windows XP

by Franklin Thomas
Although your desktop starts off clean, it can quickly become cluttered with icons.

Although your desktop starts off clean, it can quickly become cluttered with icons.

desktop image by Madera from Fotolia.com

Over time the Windows XP desktop can be cluttered with files, shortcuts, pictures, videos and other items. A full desktop can often be difficult to manage and require you to navigate through large numbers of items to find what you are looking for. Further problematic is the way that many applications create desktop shortcuts upon installation, even if they are infrequently used. Deleting icons from your Windows XP desktop is a quick task.

Delete Desktop Items

Step 1

Minimize all active programs to display the desktop.

Step 2

Right-click the desktop icon you would like to remove. A drop-down menu will open; choose the "Delete" option.

Step 3

Click "Yes" to confirm deletion of this file or shortcut. It will disappear from your desktop and be placed in the Recycle Bin.

Remove Default Windows Icons

Step 1

Click "Start" and then "Control Panel."

Step 2

Double-click on the "Display" option.

Step 3

Click the "Desktop" tab to give it focus, and then click on "Customize Desktop."

Step 4

Remove the check mark next to each Windows feature you no longer wish to display on the desktop.

Tip

  • Consider storing your files, pictures and other items in a new folder that is not on your desktop.
  • The "My Documents" folder is ideal for this task, and can be immediately accessed by clicking "My Documents" on any file save dialog.
  • If an installer asks to create a shortcut on the desktop, choose "No" unless you are sure you will make use of it.

About the Author

Franklin Thomas has been a technical writer since 2001. He also works as a computer-programming consultant who specializes in conveying abstract information-technology concepts to non-technical workers. Thomas is a former site manager and reporter for the Warcry Network. He received his Bachelor of Science in computer science from the University of Connecticut.

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