How to Remove Desktop Icons Using Vista
A cluttered Windows desktop is a bane to anyone with a sense of organization. Every time you install a program, it seems to add a new icon to your desktop. Soon, that picture of your favorite pet you set as your background is completely hidden. Vista allows you to readily remove icons in just a few short steps. There are two basic ways to remove icons from the desktop, and this how-to will cover both methods.
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Instructions
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Method 1
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Right-click on the icon you wish to remove.
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Select "Delete" from the pop-up menu that appears.
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Click "Yes" from the message window that appears. After you select "Delete" from the pop-up menu, a warning message will appear informing you that you are only deleting the icon, which is what we want. Click on "Yes" at the bottom of the window.
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Empty your Recycle Bin to fully remove the icon.
Method 2
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Right-click anywhere on the desktop that doesn't have an icon.
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Select "Personalize" from the pop-up menu.
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When the Personalization window appears, click "Change Desktop Icons" under the Task list on the left side of the window.
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Make sure to uncheck the box next to the icons you want removed. You can also change the icons from this menu in case you want something else displayed for the icon.
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Click "Apply" to apply your changes and close all open windows.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember, deleting the desktop icon does not remove the program. To remove the program completely, use Vista's Add/Remove Programs function.
