How to Delete a Shortcut in Windows Vista

Use your mouse to delete a shortcut in Windows VIsta.

Shortcuts multiply effortlessly on computer desktops. When you install a new program or catch a file with the mouse, you can riddle your whole desktop with them. There are two main methods for deleting shortcuts in Windows Vista--while both methods use the mouse, users tend to prefer one method over the other.

Instructions

Drag-and-Drop Method

1. Move your mouse pointer over to the location of the unwanted shortcut.

2. Press the left mouse button while the pointer is on the shortcut and hold it down.

3. Drag the unwanted shortcut to the "Recycle Bin" icon by continuing to hold down the left mouse button and moving the mouse pointer over to the Recycle Bin.

4. Release the left mouse button to place the shortcut in the Recycle Bin.

Right-Click Method

1. Move your mouse pointer to the location of the unwanted shortcut.

2. Click the right mouse button. A context menu appears with options for the shortcut.

3. Move the mouse pointer to "Delete."

4. Click once with the left mouse button. A window will appear asking if you are sure that you want to move the shortcut to the Recycle Bin.

5. Click "Yes" with the left mouse button.

Tips & Warnings

• To empty the Recycle Bin, click the right mouse button on the Recycle Bin icon to bring up the context menu. Click "Empty Recycle Bin" with the left mouse button.

• If you accidentally delete a shortcut that you actually need, you can retrieve it from the Recycle Bin if you didn't empty the Recycle Bin first. Click twice on the Recycle Bin icon to open it in Windows Explorer, then locate the shortcut you wish to restore and click it once with the left mouse button to select it. Click the "Restore this item" button in the toolbar above it once with the left mouse button to restore the shortcut to your desktop.

• Once you empty the Recycle Bin, you cannot retrieve your shortcuts and other deleted files. Do not empty the Recycle Bin unless you are certain that you will not need any of the files inside it.

References

• "Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows Vista;" Robert Cowart and Brian Knittel; 2007.