How to Remove Unused Desktop Icons

Do you ever feel like you just have too many icons on your desktop? You could right-click each shortcut icon one at a time and delete them, but that is a long and tedious process. In Windows XP you can use a wizard to remove unused desktop icons. These steps will show you how to easily remove unused desktop icons.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer using Microsoft XP

1. Click “Start” and then click on “Control Panel." If you are using an older version of Windows you will click “Start," point to “Settings” and then click on “Control Panel."
2. If your “Control Panel” is in “Category View," click the option in the task pane that says “Switch to Classic View."
3. Double click “Display." Click on the “Desktop” tab. Click “Customize Desktop."
4. Under “Desktop Cleanup," click “Clean Desktop Now." The “Desktop Cleanup Wizard” will appear. Click “Next."
5. A list of shortcuts will be displayed in the “Shortcuts” dialog box. Select any shortcuts you want removed, or clear the check box for shortcuts you do not want removed. When you are finished, click “Next."
6. In the “Completing the Desktop Cleanup Wizard” make sure the shortcuts to be removed are correct. Click “Finish.”

Tips & Warnings

• The shortcuts you choose to remove will be moved to the “Unused Desktop Shortcuts” folder.
• Desktop icons that you haven’t used for more than 60 days will be listed in the “Desktop Cleanup Wizard."
• The wizard will run every two months automatically unless you uncheck the “Run the Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard Every 60 Days” check box.

Who Can Help:

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