Cleanup the Desktop

Your new PC probably came with demostration software that included annoying Desktop shortcut icons. In addition, programs that you install often create shortcuts you don't need.

The problem with this is that you'd have to repeat this for every one of the icons you want to get rid of.

A better method is to have Windows move icons that you haven't been using recently off of your Desktop and into a folder called Unused Desktop Shortcuts.

Right-click on a blank spot on the Desktop and choose Properties from the shortcut menu.

The Wizard will now list the shortcuts on your Desktop. Those that you haven't used recently will have a checkmark next to them. These will be moved off of the Desktop. Shortcuts that you have used recently will not have a checkmark and will be left on the Desktop. If you want to make any changes, you can check and uncheck any item in the list.

A final screen will appear listing the shortcut files you want to remove. If this is correct, click Finish. If not, click Back.

You'll notice back in step 4 that there was an option called Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days. If you aren't adding a lot of new shortcuts, it might be worthwhile to uncheck it.