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.
When an app freezes, it can be frustrating. Rather than restarting your computer try one of these methods to close a ...
Discover MoreOpening Windows apps is typically easy with your mouse, but for the apps you use more often there is a way to do this ...
Discover MoreConfiguring your computer is the best way to get your computer to behave the way you want. Here's how you can change what ...
Discover MoreThere are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments