How to Delete Desktop Icons on Mac
Are you looking to declutter your Mac desktop and make it more organized? Deleting unnecessary desktop icons is a great way to achieve this. In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps on how to delete desktop icons on Mac. Whether you want to remove an app shortcut, a document, or any other item, follow these instructions to clean up your desktop in no time.
Step 1: Identify the Icon You Want to Delete
The first step is to identify the icon you want to delete. Take a moment to look at your desktop and determine which icon you no longer need. This could be an app shortcut, a document, a folder, or any other item that is taking up space on your desktop.
Step 2: Right-Click on the Icon
Once you have identified the icon, right-click on it. This will open a context menu with various options. If you are using a trackpad, you can also press the Control key while clicking on the icon to bring up the context menu.
Step 3: Select “Move to Trash” or “Delete”
In the context menu, you will see options like “Move to Trash” or “Delete.” Click on either of these options to delete the icon. This action will move the icon to the Trash folder, where it can be easily restored if needed.
Step 4: Empty the Trash
After deleting the icon, it is important to empty the Trash to permanently remove the item from your Mac. To do this, click on the Trash icon in the Dock, which is usually located on the left side. Once the Trash window opens, click on the “Empty Trash” button. You will be prompted to confirm the deletion, so make sure you are sure before proceeding.
Alternative Method: Drag and Drop
Another way to delete desktop icons on Mac is by dragging and dropping them into the Trash. Simply click and hold the icon, then drag it to the Trash icon in the Dock. Once the icon is inside the Trash, you can empty it as mentioned in Step 4.
Additional Tips
– To quickly delete multiple icons, you can select them all by holding down the Command key and clicking on each icon. Then, right-click on any of the selected icons and choose “Move to Trash” or “Delete.”
– If you want to restore an item from the Trash, simply drag it back to your desktop or any other folder.
– To prevent icons from appearing on your desktop, you can adjust the Desktop & Screen Saver preferences. Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Desktop & Screen Saver, and uncheck the “Show icons on the desktop” option.
By following these simple steps, you can easily delete desktop icons on your Mac and create a cleaner, more organized workspace.
