How to Delete Desktop Icons
A desktop icon offers convenient, double-click access to its associated program or file. However, too many icons can clutter up the desktop. You can delete the icon only but leave its program intact. Or you can also delete the icon and all its files through uninstall or "Add or Remove," which clears the desktop and makes space on your hard drive.
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Instructions
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Icon only
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To delete the icon only and not its program, right-click on the icon. A popup menu appears.
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Choose the "Delete" option. A confirmation dialog box appears.
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Click the "Yes" button. The icon is deleted, but its associated files remain.
Uninstall
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To delete the icon and its program, click the "Start" button and choose "All Programs." A popup menu appears.
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Locate the program you want to delete and move your cursor to it. This selects the program and displays its popup menu.
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Choose the "Uninstall" option. A dialog box asks you to confirm your choice. Click the "OK" or "Yes" button to continue. The program is deleted with its desktop icon.
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If you do not find an "Uninstall" option in the popup menu, use "My Computer" or "Windows Explorer" to navigate to the program directory. Look for an application with a name like "Uninstall," and double-click.
Add or Remove
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If no uninstall options exist, use Add or Remove. Click on the "Start" button and choose "Control Panel." The "Control Panel" window appears.
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Double-click "Add or Remove Programs" to display the "Add or Remove Programs" window. A list of installed programs appears. You can sort this list with the "Sort By" drop-down in the upper right.
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Scroll to your program, and then click to select it. A "Change/Remove" button appears next to it.
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Click on the "Change/Remove" button. A dialog box asks you to confirm your choice. Click the "Yes" button to continue. The program and its desktop icons are deleted.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Copyright © 2009 by Aurelio Locsin
