Right-click the shortcut on the desktop and select the Delete icon (the trash can) at the top of the menu. Or select it and press Delete. Removing a shortcut doesn’t uninstall the app.
Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 29, 2026.
Delete a shortcut
- Right-click the shortcut on the desktop.
- Select the Delete icon at the top of the menu.
Shortcuts have a small arrow on their icon. The shortcut goes to the Recycle Bin, and the app or file it points to stays where it is.
To remove several at once, hold Ctrl and select each one, then press Delete.
Hide all desktop icons without deleting
- Right-click an empty part of the desktop and select View.
- Select Show desktop icons to clear the check mark.
Do the same again to show them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a deleted shortcut back?
Yes. Open the Recycle Bin, right-click the shortcut, and select Restore. Or make a new one: see how to create a desktop shortcut.
How do I remove Recycle Bin or This PC from the desktop?
These are set in Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings. See how to change desktop icons in Windows 11.
On a laptop, see how to right-click on a laptop in Windows 11.
To move files off the desktop without deleting them, see how to clear your desktop without deleting files.
To keep an icon but hide it from view, see how to hide specific desktop icons in Windows 11.
To also unpin apps from Start and the taskbar, see how to hide apps on Windows 11.
To add app shortcuts back to the desktop, see how to move apps from the taskbar to the desktop in Windows 11.
Microsoft’s reference is Customize the desktop icons in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
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