Organizing your desktop can feel like a daunting task, especially if it’s cluttered. But don’t worry! You can tidy up your desktop without deleting any files in Windows 11. All you need to do is move your files to different locations or hide desktop icons. Let’s dive into the steps to accomplish this.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Remove Things from Desktop Without Deleting Windows 11
This tutorial will guide you through the process of decluttering your desktop without losing any files. Follow these simple steps to clean up your workspace.
Step 1: Create Folders
Place similar files into folders to organize your desktop.
Creating folders is a great way to group similar files together. To do this, right-click on any empty space on your desktop, select “New,” and then “Folder.” Name the folder something relevant and drag and drop files into it.
Step 2: Move Files to Another Location
Relocate files to different locations like Documents, Pictures, or an external drive.
You can move files by right-clicking the file, selecting “Cut,” and then navigating to the desired location like Documents or Pictures folders and selecting “Paste.” This way, your files are still accessible but off your desktop.
Step 3: Hide Desktop Icons
Hide all desktop icons to enjoy a clean view.
Right-click on an empty space on your desktop, hover over “View,” and uncheck “Show desktop icons.” This action hides all icons but does not delete them. If you want to see the icons again, simply recheck the option.
Step 4: Use OneDrive or Other Cloud Storage
Upload your files to cloud storage services.
OneDrive comes pre-installed on Windows 11. You can move files to OneDrive by dragging them into the OneDrive folder. This keeps your desktop clean and your files safely stored in the cloud.
Step 5: Disable Desktop Shortcuts
Disable unnecessary desktop shortcuts to declutter your view.
Navigate to “Settings,” then “Personalization,” and select “Themes.” Click on “Desktop icon settings” on the right panel and uncheck the icons you don’t need, like Recycle Bin or This PC.
After completing these actions, your desktop will be less cluttered, and you’ll still have all your files intact and easy to access.
Tips for Removing Things from Desktop Without Deleting Windows 11
- Group similar files into folders to simplify organization.
- Regularly move files from the desktop to appropriate folders.
- Consider using cloud storage for easy access and to save space.
- Periodically review your desktop and remove unnecessary files.
- Use the “Search” function to easily find relocated files.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a new folder on my desktop?
Right-click on an empty space, select “New,” then click “Folder,” and name it as you like.
Can I hide desktop icons without deleting them?
Yes, right-click on the desktop, hover over “View,” and uncheck “Show desktop icons.”
How do I move files to another location?
Right-click the file, choose “Cut,” navigate to the desired location, and select “Paste.”
What is OneDrive?
OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage service where you can store files online.
How do I disable desktop shortcuts?
Go to “Settings,” then “Personalization,” select “Themes,” and click on “Desktop icon settings” to uncheck unnecessary icons.
Summary
- Create folders.
- Move files to another location.
- Hide desktop icons.
- Use OneDrive or other cloud storage.
- Disable desktop shortcuts.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—an easy way to declutter your desktop without deleting any files on Windows 11. Following these simple steps can make a world of difference in keeping your workspace organized and efficient. Whether you choose to group your files into folders, move them to another location, or use cloud storage, there’s a method that will suit your needs.
Why not take a few minutes today to tidy up your desktop? Your future self will thank you when your workspace is neat and organized. Remember, a clean desktop can boost your productivity and reduce stress. So go ahead, give it a try, and see the difference it makes!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.