Desktop icons can be renamed just like any other object in Windows: Right-click the icon and choose Rename from the Context menu. If you prefer, you can select the icon and press F2. Either way, the name of the icon is "activated," and you can make any changes you desire.
To delete an icon, just select it and hit the Delete key. If you prefer to use the mouse, you can right-click on the icon and choose Delete from the Context menu.
You should be careful of one thing, however: That you only delete shortcuts from the desktop. You can tell if an icon is a shortcut by looking closely at it. If a small upward-pointing arrow is in the lower-left corner of the icon, then it's a shortcut. You can delete these left and right without any real consequences—the program, folder, or file pointed to by the shortcut still remains on the computer. (You're only deleting a reference to the program, folder, or file, not the actual item.)
If no small upward-pointing arrow appears in the lower-left corner of the icon, then the icon represents the real thing. Deleting the real thing may be something you want to do, but it may not—you need to think through your action to make sure you really want to delete the item. If you do, then delete away! If you don't, then consider moving the icon to a different folder on your system so it's still accessible but doesn't clutter your desktop.
This tip (10959) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.
Need to customize how your Windows interface looks? If so, you'll want to use the PC Settings screen. This tip explains ...
Discover MoreIf you want granular control over all the devices on your system, getting familiar with the device manager is time well ...
Discover MoreDo you turn your computer on and off all the time? Do you really know if this is good for your computer or not?
Discover MoreThere are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments