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How to Delete a Shortcut from Desktop in Windows

Learn how to delete a shortcut from desktop in Windows easily. Right-click and delete or drag it to the Recycle Bin.

Last updated: 2025-06-17 04:06:56

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Do you have too many shortcuts on your desktop? Do you have trouble finding the files you need because of all those icons? Although shortcuts are useful for instant access, they can become somewhat cumbersome over time. Shortcuts are essentially icons that make it simple to click on folders and programs. Despite their small size, they can visually overpower your desktop. It's time to eliminate some shortcuts when your desktop becomes overly cluttered. This post will show you quick and simple ways how to delete a shortcut from desktop. You'll discover how to quickly select several icons in bulk and remove them with a single click.

How To Remove App Shortcut from Desktop Windows 11

Shortcuts are typically represented by the icons that show an arrow on your desktop. To gain fast access to various files, people frequently make shortcuts. Some shortcuts are created automatically when you install a program. Your desktop can become congested, and it may get hard to find important files. But it is easy to delete these shortcuts.

Since deleting shortcuts can result in the loss of important files, most people ask “how to get rid of a shortcut on my desktop”. Deletion ensures that the shortcut is being removed and not the original file.

1. Drag The Shortcut to the Recycle Bin to Remove It.

Dragging a shortcut to the bin is the first way to get rid of it from the desktop. The icon will vanish in a second if you drag it. Use these simple steps to learn how to remove desktop shortcuts Windows 11.

By doing these actions again, all the desktop shortcuts will be removed, creating room for other important shortcuts.

2. Select Delete from the Options

If for some reason you are unable to remove a shortcut from your Windows desktop, try using the application options. This is a thorough procedure that most users use to eliminate unnecessary desktop shortcuts. These are the quick actions you must take in order to remove it from alternatives.

Delete shortcut from desktop with right click

Repeat these steps and your “how to delete a shortcut from desktop” problem will be solved for all the shortcuts.

3. Press the Delete Button on the Desktop

A keyboard shortcut can also be removed from the desktop using this manner. This approach saves you the bother of sorting through possibilities and requires the least amount of time. All you need to do is ask your keyboard's "Delete" button for assistance. Isn't it incredible? Repeat these instructions to remove shortcuts using this method.

Your "how to delete a shortcut from desktop" issue will be resolved for every shortcut if you follow these steps again.

How to Delete All Desktop Icons on Windows

One of the greatest and simplest methods to optimize and speed up your Windows desktop is to remove the icons. But, how to delete a shortcut from desktop with all the other shortcuts?

With a few mouse clicks, you can quickly remove any desktop icon in Windows. Simply choose Delete from the popup menu that appears when you right-click the icon on your Windows 10 desktop.

You can also drag desktop icons to the Recycle Bin icon, which should also be on the desktop, to remove them.

Do you want to remove every Windows 10 desktop icon at once? You can highlight them altogether by moving the mouse pointer over each icon. After they are all highlighted, you can either drag them to the Recycle Bin or right-click on one and choose Delete.

How Can I Get Rid of My Desktop Icon Without Erasing It?

You have a few choices if you want to move files or shortcuts out of the way while working on your Windows 10 desktop without erasing them.

The first choice is to make the icons invisible. To accomplish this, right-click on your desktop, choose View, and then uncheck the box next to "Show desktop icons."

For people who enjoy the look of their Windows 10 desktop icons but don't want to view them constantly, this is a fantastic option.

Repeat the previous steps to restore your desktop icons' visibility.

Moving the icons to a different spot on your Windows device is your second choice. You may rapidly accomplish this by dragging the icons to a different folder location.

Another option is to right-click the icons, choose Cut, and then right-click in the target folder and choose Paste.

How can I remove an app that refuses to uninstall?

You can remove an app that refuses to uninstall by using the control panel to delete the app. However, there may be remaining files even after uninstallation. If you want to completely remove an app from your pc, you need to use a third-party app uninstaller like Master Uninstaller. You just download it on your desktop and launch it. Select the app you want to remove and click on “Uninstall”.

master uninstaller confirm button

Conclusion

Icons and desktop shortcuts can occasionally overcrowd your desktop. You must so find it challenging to separate the relevant files from the rest of the crowd. However, it's not a huge concern because this post has helped you with simple ways on how to remove icons from desktop Windows 11.

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FAQs About How To Remove Shortcuts from Desktop

Q: How do I get rid of desktop icons that won't go away?
Occasionally, users come upon a shortcut, folder, or file icon that refuses to be deleted. An error message such as "File in Use" or "File Access Denied" could appear. This problem can be troubleshooted in a number of ways. Try restarting your computer first, then attempting to remove the icon once more. Verify that the file or folder is open and in use if you see a "File in Use" notification; if it is, close the program. If a file's permissions prevent you from deleting it, right-click on it and choose Properties > Security > Advanced. Try removing the icon, file, or folder once more after entering the username you wish to be the file's owner. Another alternative is to attempt deleting the troublesome file after restarting in Safe Mode.
Q: What is the process for deleting icons from a Mac desktop?
On a Mac desktop, you may quickly delete an icon by right-clicking on it and choosing Move to Trash. Additionally, you may select multiple icons by holding down the Shift key and then dragging them to the Trash. Enter the following in Terminal to conceal all of your desktop icons without erasing any files or folders: defaults write com.apple.finder Finder for CreateDesktop false killall. In order to restore your icons, enter defaults write com.apple.finder. In the terminal, create a desktop true killall finder.
Q: If I have Windows 7, how can I get the icons off my desktop?
Just as on a Windows 10/11 desktop, you can right-click and choose Delete to get rid of icons on a Windows 7 desktop.
Q: How can checkmarks be eliminated from desktop icons?
The checkboxes that appear when you pick a file or folder in Windows 10 can be easily removed if you don't like them. Open File Explorer, then choose View. Uncheck the box next to the Item check boxes in the Show/Hide section.

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