If you’re someone who likes to keep their desktop clean and organized, you may find yourself frustrated with the clutter of shortcuts that come with a new Windows 11 installation. These shortcuts can make it difficult to find the files and programs you actually need, and can slow down your computer’s performance. In this article, we’ll discuss how to remove shortcuts from your desktop in Windows 11, so you can have a clutter-free and efficient desktop.
Organize your desktop
Before we dive into removing shortcuts, it’s important to take a moment to organize your desktop. This will help you identify which shortcuts you actually need and which ones can be removed. Create folders for different categories of files and programs, and move the relevant shortcuts into these folders. This will make it easier to find what you need and keep your desktop tidy.
Right-click and delete
The simplest way to remove a shortcut from your desktop is to right-click on it and select “Delete.” This will send the shortcut to your recycle bin, where you can permanently delete it or restore it if needed. You can also select multiple shortcuts by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking on each shortcut you want to delete, then right-click and select “Delete.”
Unpin from taskbar
If you have shortcuts on your taskbar that you want to remove, you can simply right-click on the shortcut and select “Unpin from taskbar.” This will remove the shortcut from your taskbar, but it will still remain on your desktop. If you want to remove it completely, you can then follow the steps in the previous section to delete it.
Use the File Explorer
Another way to remove shortcuts from your desktop is to use the File Explorer. Open the File Explorer and navigate to your desktop folder. From here, you can select the shortcuts you want to remove and either press the delete key on your keyboard or right-click and select “Delete.” This method is useful if you have a large number of shortcuts on your desktop and want to remove them all at once.
Customize your desktop icons
If you want to remove all shortcuts from your desktop, you can customize your desktop icons to hide them. Right-click on your desktop and select “Personalize.” Then, click on “Themes” and select “Desktop icon settings.” Uncheck the box next to “Desktop icons” and click “Apply.” This will hide all shortcuts from your desktop, but they will still be accessible through the File Explorer.
Use a third-party software
If you want a more comprehensive solution for managing your desktop shortcuts, you can use a third-party software such as Fences or Stardock. These programs allow you to create customizable fences or groups for your shortcuts, making it easier to organize and access them. They also have features for hiding or removing shortcuts from your desktop.
By following these tips, you can easily remove shortcuts from your desktop in Windows 11 and keep your desktop organized and clutter-free. Do you have any other tips for managing desktop shortcuts? Let us know in the comments.
