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Step 1
Remove Shortcut Icons from the Desktop
First identify all the shortcut icons that you want to remove.
A shortcut is a link to another file or program, but is not necessary for the program to run and can be safely deleted. Shortcuts are identifiable by the arrow symbol that looks like it is pasted on the lower left corner of the icon itself. To delete a shortcut icon highlight it, then right click to bring up the sub menu. From the sub menu, select delete. -
Step 2
Remove Windows Default Icons (My Computer, Network Neighborhood)
A default windows installation will include main system icons on your desktop. You do not need them there and can remove those icons from your desktop if you choose to. The method to remove these icons is different depending on whether you run XP or Vista.
Windows XP
To remove the default icons, go to Start->Control Panel. From the control panel select the "Display" option and go to "Customize Desktop". Go through the desktop icons and uncheck the boxes for those icons that you wish to remove.
Windows Vista
To remove the default icons from your desktop using Vista, go to Start->Control Panel->Appearance and Personalization
From there select "Personalization" and from the left hand pane, select "Change desktop icons". Go through the desktop icons and uncheck the boxes for those icons that you wish to remove from your desktop. Click ok. -
Step 3
After removing your shortcuts and default windows icons, you are probably left with a hodgepodge of files and programs. To clean these up and remove them from your desktop, right click your desktop and go to "New folder". Drag your remaining leftover icons into this folder. If you do not want the folder on your desktop, feel free to create it in a new location or drag it to your documents.
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Step 4
If you have decided not to delete any icons from your desktop, but would like them disabled, you can do that too. Simply right click anywhere on your desktop, and go to "Active Desktop" and uncheck "Show Desktop Icons". This will make your desktop icons invisible. To unhide your icons, simly recheck "Show Desktop Icons".
