I used to have a chronically messy desktop. Fed up with all the clutter I asked myself what the point of the Desktop was. For me it was to hold files and application shortcuts. Well, if I can’t keep it clean, can’t I just hide it and have it still serve it’s purpose?
What I did was (I’m running Windows XP):
- Right clicked the desktop
- Clicked Arrange Icons
- Deselected Show Desktop Items.
Voila! Clean desktop. But have I lost any functionality?
Access to Desktop Files?
I put a shortcut to the Desktop folder in my quick launch bar so I can click it to see my desktop as a folder. So I still have direct access to desktop files.
Access to Desktop Application Icons
I installed Launchy to quick launch any apps so I don’t miss having desktop app icons. I hit ALT-Space and start typing the app I want.
Hope this helps keep your desktop clean!