How To Delete Desktop Shortcuts Jun 2026

Right-click a blank space on your desktop and select . Go to Themes > Desktop icon settings .

If you haven't emptied your Recycle Bin/Trash, simply open the Bin, right-click the file, and select . If you have already emptied the bin, you can recreate the shortcut by locating the program file, right-clicking it, and selecting Create Shortcut (Windows) or Make Alias (Mac), then dragging that new shortcut to the desktop. how to delete desktop shortcuts

Before you start dragging files to the trash, it is vital to understand the difference between a and the Source File . Right-click a blank space on your desktop and select

: Drag the icon directly into the Recycle Bin or Trash . How to Delete Shortcuts on Windows (10 & 11) If you have already emptied the bin, you

Standard system icons cannot be deleted with a simple right-click. Instead:

Additionally, deleting desktop shortcuts will not delete the underlying file or application. It will only remove the shortcut from your desktop.