Read time: 3 minutes

Summary: This article explains how to create a keyboard shortcut for accessing hidden desktop icons and files, allowing you to declutter your desktop while maintaining easy access. Follow simple steps to hide icons, create a desktop folder shortcut, and assign a custom keyboard shortcut for efficient organization.

Introduction

The desktop’s software icons facilitate convenient access to applications without the need to navigate the applications menu. Each icon displays the software’s name, allowing users to open it with a simple double-click. However, as the number of icons on the desktop grows, it can become challenging to locate the right one, resulting in a cluttered appearance.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, you have the option to conceal the icons and declutter your desktop. By employing this approach, you can enhance the desktop’s organization and ease of use.

Many computer users have a common habit of keeping icons and essential files on their desktops. However, as time goes by, these icons and files accumulate, leading to a cluttered desktop. Therefore, it is essential to perform regular desktop cleanup. While the idea of regularly cleaning the desktop is commendable, it may not fully address the underlying reason for keeping these files and icons there.

What should you do when faced with this situation? The answer is straightforward: conceal your desktop icons and files while setting up keyboard shortcuts for quick access. This approach allows you to maintain a tidy desktop while ensuring convenient access to your icons and files whenever required.

Hiding Desktop icons and files:

To hide desktop icons and files, follow these simple steps:

  • Right click on the Desktop, go to View.
  • Uncheck the option Show Desktop Icons.

Now all your desktop files and icons have concealed and you can view a clean desktop.

Creating a Desktop shortcut to open Desktop Folder:

To create a desktop shortcut to open desktop folder, follow these steps:

  • Click on Start button > (your username) > Desktop folder.
  • Right click on the Desktop folder and click Send to -> Desktop (Create Shortcut).

A desktop shortcut to open desktop folder has been created now.

Assigning a Custom keyboard Shortcut to open Hidden Desktop Icons and Files:

To assign custom keyboard shortcut to open hidden desktop icons and files, follow these steps:

  • Click on Start button > (your username) > Desktop folder
  • Right click the keyboard shortcut for desktop you have created. Click Properties.
  • Open Shortcuts tab and click on Shortcut Key box.
  • Now click ALT + CTRL + any letter key to create a custom shortcut and click OK.

You can now swiftly access all your desktop icons and files without cluttering your desktop. Simply press the key combination you’ve assigned to these desktop items to open and use them.

Conclusion

Software data mismanagement within a computer can lead to corruption. To safeguard your data against such corruption, consider employing the powerful Kernel for Windows Data Recovery software. This application is designed to recover all your data, complete with its associated icons for effortless identification. Following data retrieval, the icons will retain their original appearance.