On macOS, shortcuts are called "aliases," but the process is just as simple:
| Action | Windows | macOS | |--------|---------|-------| | Delete | Right-click → Delete | Drag to Trash | | Keyboard | Select → Delete key | Select → ⌘ + Delete | | Hide (not delete) | Properties → Hidden | Not commonly used | | Remove system icons | Desktop icon settings | N/A | how to remove shortcuts on desktop
Keeping a clean desktop improves your workflow and organization. Remember, removing the shortcut is a surface-level clean. If you want to completely remove a program from your computer to save disk space, you must uninstall the program through your system settings, not just delete the desktop icon. On macOS, shortcuts are called "aliases," but the
Select the icon with one click and tap the Delete key. For permanent removal that skips the bin, use Shift + Delete . Select the icon with one click and tap the Delete key
To hide every icon at once without deleting them, right-click any empty space on your desktop, hover over View , and uncheck Show desktop icons . For Mac Users