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):

  1. Right clicked the desktop
  2. Clicked Arrange Icons
  3. 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!

Additional Reading