Add or delete desktop icons

You can add or delete desktop‌ icons for programs, files, pictures, locations, and more.

Most of the icons you add to your desktop will be shortcuts, but you can also save files or folders to the desktop. If you delete files or folders that are stored on your desktop, they are moved to the Recycle Bin, where you can permanently delete them. If you delete a shortcut, the shortcut is removed from your desktop, but the file, program, or location that the shortcut links to is not deleted.

You can identify shortcuts by the arrow on their icon.

Picture of an example shortcut on the desktop

Picture of an example file stored on the desktop

 To add an icon

1. Locate the item that you want to create a shortcut for.
2. Right-click the item, click Send to, and then click Desktop (create shortcut). The shortcut icon appears on your desktop.

   Note

   • For help with finding a file or folder, see Find a file or folder.

 To delete an icon

• Right-click an icon on the desktop, click Delete, and then click Yes.‌  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

 To add or remove common desktop icons

You can add or remove special Windows desktop icons, including shortcuts to the Computer folder, your personal folder, the Network folder, the Recycle Bin, and Control Panel. If you remove one of these special icons from view, you can always add it back.
1. Click to open Personalization.
2. In the left pane, click Change desktop icons.
3. Under Desktop Icons, select the check box for each icon that you want to add to the desktop, or clear the check box for each icon that you want to remove from the desktop, and then click OK.