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 InputBox to Get Data

Need your macro to get some input from a user? The standard way to do this is with the InputBox function, described in ...

Discover More

Removing All Formatting from a Document

When it comes to formatting a document that others have worked on, it is sometimes easier to start with a blank slate. ...

Discover More

Hiding Formatting Changes in Track Changes

Word can easily (and handily) keep track of changes you make in your document. You may not want all your changes tracked, ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Windows+X Enhanced Shortcuts

Following up the Win+X keystroke shortcut with additional keystrokes can save time and greatly reduce effort. Here are ...

Discover More

Customizing the Send To Menu

Adding items to the Send To menu can be a great way to open files with specific programs. Here's how easy it is to add ...

Discover More

Quick Ways to Get Back to Your Desktop

There may be times when you need to get back to your desktop by eliminating the "clutter" of all your open windows. ...

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 one 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