Deleting Shortcuts

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 11, 2019)

Shortcuts are handy for many purposes, but at some point, you may want to get rid of one (or more). You can delete a shortcut the same way as you would any other object in Windows—you simply select it and press the Del key. The icon is moved to the Recycle Bin, where you can later retrieve it, if desired.

There is one important thing to note about deleting shortcuts. Deleting a shortcut does not delete the program or document to which the shortcut refers. Thus, if you delete a shortcut to a graphics program, the graphics program still remains—only the shortcut file itself is deleted.

If you are a Windows 8 user, don't confuse shortcuts (which appear on the desktop) with tiles (which appear on the Start screen). How you delete Start screen tiles is covered in a different WindowsTip.

 This tip (10870) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Capitals After Colons

Do you want Word to always capitalize the first letter appearing after a colon? The program won't do it by default, but ...

Discover More

Filtering Based on Comparing Two Cells

Filtering can be very helpful in allowing you to see only those data records that meet certain criteria. In this tip you ...

Discover More

Incorrect In-Use Message

If you try to open a workbook that someone else has open, Excel lets you know of the conflict. What if Excel tells you, ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

New Windows 10 Shortcuts

At times, it is helpful to work quicker to get things done faster. Windows 10 offers several new shortcuts to help you ...

Discover More

Win+E Shortcut Result

Configuring your computer is the best way to get your computer to behave the way you want. Here's how you can change what ...

Discover More

Search the Web Using the Run Dialog Box

The Run dialog box allows you to quickly run or start a program using quick keystrokes. The Run dialog box can also help ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five more than 8?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2024 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.