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Questions & Answers (Q & A)

Icons on the Desktop

Question:
" When I purchased my computer it came pre-loaded with all kinds of programs, some of which I may never use, and my desktop is loaded with all kinds of icons. I want to clean off my desktop but I DO NOT want to delete the icons entirely or send them to the recycle bin. I just want to hide them. How do I "hide" the icons on my desktop without deleting them?"

Answer:

Most of the icons on your desktop aren't actually programs. They're just quick ways to access the programs. They may have little arrows in the bottom left of the icons, indicating that they're shortcuts. Deleting a shortcut doesn't delete the actual program and you can still access that program through the Programs List in the Start Menu.

You can delete these icons from your desktop. If you use a mouse, click on the icon you want to remove with the right mouse button and single-click on <Delete>.

If by some chance you do try to delete a program, Windows will ask if you're sure that's what you want to do. The "Confirm File Delete" prompt window will mention that you're trying to delete a program, and that you won't be able to run it any more if you move it to the Recycle Bin.

Single-clicking the <No> button on the prompt window will cancel the delete.

So, in answer to the 'hide' part of your question, you cannot hide the icons but you can remove the shortcuts (delete) or through "Windows Explorer" (Start Menu, Programs) you can move the programs into a different area of your computer.

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