Another Way to Hide Desktop Shortcuts

In the November 2008 issue, page 105, I suggested ways to easily hide desktop shortcuts of confidential material. I suggested moving them off the desktop, out of sight to the Start menu, which only comes into view when you click on Start. However, I should have mentioned still another, even easier way—a three-click solution that can conceal all desktop shortcuts, leaving only the toolbar icons.

To make them disappear, right-click on any empty space in the desktop, click on Arrange Icons By and remove the check next to Show Desktop Icons. To reverse the process, use the same steps to replace the checkmark (see screenshot below).

In Vista, the steps are similar, except click on View instead of Arrange Icons By.