Windows – Unable to remove/hide icons from desktop folder

iconswindows 7

I wish to hide some windows icons from my desktop folder1, but cannot. When I click delete, it says they will be deleted from my desktop (which they already are), but they remain visible in the desktop folder, which is where I wish them removed. Is there any way I can remove these? (I always use Win+E which really lets me get to all of these easy enough).

Offending icons: Libraries, Homegroup, User folder, Computer, Network, Control Panel, and Recycle Bin.
Example of desktop folder

For those who might be wondering why, I find myself in this folder a bit to often (including when uploading a file), and find these nothing but clutter, especially as these always default to the top.

Thanks for your help!

1 By desktop folder, I mean the folder you would see by going to "My Computer" and clicking "Desktop" on the top left under Favorites.

Note: Changing my "Desktop Icon Settings" under "Personalize" does not affect the desktop folder, but rather just the desktop view.

Best Answer

You can remove 3 of them by deleting some registry keys.

  • Open regedit.exe
  • Navigate to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFWARE\Microsoft\Wind ows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\
  • Remove the following folders corresponding to each icon:
    • Homegroup : {B4FB3F98-C1EA-428d-A78A-D1F5659CBA93} (default item has the value 'Other Users')
    • Network : {F02C1A0D-BE21-4350-88B0-7367FC96EF3C} (default item has the value 'Computers and Devices')
    • Libraries : {031E4825-7B94-4dc3-B131-E946B44C8DD5} (default item has the value 'UserLibraries')

I have tested this on my PC and it worked. However, These icons will get removed from the Explorer navigation panel also.

Source

Related Question