How to Delete HP Printer Desktop Shortcuts

When you install an HP printer, the installation CD or DVD also installs some device software that is used for custom settings. The device software shortcut is placed on your Windows desktop machine. You can simply delete this icon from the desktop or remove the software. Removing the software deletes the icon from the desktop along with the associated software. If you delete the software, the printer will still function. Many times, users want to uninstall the software, because it uses much of the resources and starts up when the machine is booted. Removal of the software and the associated icon is accomplished in the Control Panel.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button and select "Control Panel." In the Control Panel, double-click the "Add/Remove Programs" icon. In Vista, the "Add/Remove Programs" icon is renamed to "Programs and Features."

2. Scroll down to the HP printer software. If you are using an older version of Windows, click the "Change" button. For Vista, click the "Uninstall" button at the top of the window.

3. Click "Yes" to confirm the changes. It may take several minutes for the application to uninstall. Once it's finished, you may be asked to reboot the machine.

4. Minimize all the windows on your screen. The desktop icon is no longer shown on the desktop, and the application will no longer run during startup.

Tips & Warnings

• If you only want to delete the desktop icon and not the entire application, click the shortcut with your mouse and press the "Delete" button.

References

• Microsoft: How to Manually Remove Programs From the Add or Remove Programs Tool