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

Using Dot Leaders in a Paragraph

Adding dot leaders to your text is easy through the application of tab stops. This tip explains the steps you need to ...

Discover More

Handling Long Lines in Address Labels

When you print address labels, you only have a limited amount of horizontal space for each line of the label. If your ...

Discover More

Spell-Check Won't Work

Having problems making spell check work on a portion of your document? There are two primary causes for such an ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Creating Shortcuts

Shortcuts can be a great timesaver, allowing you to quickly access frequently used programs and files. This tip explains ...

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

Two Quick Ways to Close a Frozen App

When an app freezes, it can be frustrating. Rather than restarting your computer try one of these methods to close a ...

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 seven more than 7?

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


Newest Tips