The Problem with Desktop Icons
Sure, we can help! The problem with desktop icons is that over time, the average computer’s desktop eventually becomes overtaken by them. As in your case, you can’t enjoy the desktop picture anymore because of all of these images dotting your screen. Not only does having too many icons on the desktop contribute to visual clutter, it actually causes your computer to solve down a bit. One of our performance tips is to reduce the number of icons on the Windows Desktop. This is because that every time you start up your system, Windows must follow instructions to load each icon. Finally, how many of these icons are actually useful? It’s nice to have a few select shortcuts there but they no longer become shortcuts when you have to search for them.
Removing Individual Desktop Icons
You have several choices for removing unwanted icons. One choice is to remove them one by one. Simply right-click the icon and click Delete. Now, if the icon is a shortcut, deleting it only removes the shortcut, not the actual program. You can still access the program through traditional means such as through the Start button >Programs list. However, if the icon is a file stored there, then it will be deleted and moved to the Recycle Bin. You can tell the difference between a file icon and a shortcut icon by looking for a small arrow at the bottom of the image. The one with an arrow is a shortcut and can safely be deleted.
Removing All Desktop Icons
Another option is to remove them all at once. This is a simple matter of right-clicking a blank area of the Desktop and then clicking View. Remove the checkmark next to “Show Desktop Icons.” This removes ALL icons from view and you’ll be able to see that picture in all its glory. Note that this is completely reversible. If you want to turn them back on, simply go back to the Desktop, right click, click View and then click on Show Desktop icons once again.
Changing Desktop Icons
You can also change the desktop icons in Windows Vista by choosing Personalization from the sub-menu that appears after you right click the Desktop. Now, click the task item that says “Change desktop icons.” The Desktop Settings box will open. From here, you can tell Windows which computer icons to display such as the Recycle Bin or Computer. While this doesn’t give you too many options such as removing program or file icons, it is useful if you want to add or remove computer icons.
In the Future
Once your desktop is clean, try to be more discriminating about the icons you allow to be placed there. Most installation programs offer a choice about whether or not to add a shortcut to the desktop with the choice preselected for you. If you don’t want a shortcut, simply remove the checkmark when this option is offered and a shortcut won’t be created.
Celeste Stewart | October 3rd, 2008
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Thanks sooooooooo much for your help and I
will delete one at a time. All i know to do
is send email. peggybabe. I wish i could
copy this and save it as i dont have a fax
machine.
I have emailed you instructions on how to print this article.