REMOVING ICONS FROM DESKTOP

The first thing you should do is move all files from your desktop. Windows keeps your desktop in the RAM and the more stuff there is, the less RAM you have for other things. So, if you have tons of large video files plastered on your desktop, your computer will take longer to start up. And if you are generally low on RAM, a cluttered desktop may decrease overall computer performance. That's why you should move all files to ordinary folders.

Now that you've moved all files from the desktop, it's time to organize your icons. First let's get rid of the icons you don't use. Windows has a tool that will help you do it.

Here is how to use it:

Windows XP:

1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and click Arrange Icons By
2. Click on Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard
3. Click Next
4. Uncheck the boxes for the icons you wish to remove and click Next
5. Click Finish to confirm.

Windows will create an Unused Desktop Icons folder where it will store the unused icons. You will then be able to either add more icons to the folder or restore the ones you need.

Windows 7:

1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop and click View, then click Show desktop icons
2. This will uncheck the option and make your icons disappear. You can get them back whenever you need them by re-enabling the Show desktop icons option.

Now that you've gotten rid of the icons you never use, you can automatically arrange the remaining icons. Here is how:

Windows XP:

1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop, click Arrange Icons by and then click Auto Arrange. Windows will place your icons in rows.
2. You can then click on Type and customize how Windows arranges your icons.

Windows 7:

1. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop, click View, then click Auto Arrange. Windows will arrange your icons.
2. Click on Sort by and select how you want Windows to sort your icons (Name, Size, Item Type, and Date).

Now that your desktop looks neat, it's time to remove hidden clutter - junk files.

Alternate method using software

 You can use the Shortcut Fixer feature in Advanced System Care.