The Windows desktop is your main workspace: a place to keep frequently used items within easy reach and to launch apps quickly. Think of it like the top of a physical desk—useful for active work, but best kept organized so you can find things fast.
Desktop items: files, folders, apps, and shortcuts
On the desktop you can see different kinds of items. They may look similar, but they behave differently.
| Item type | What it is | What happens when you open it | Common clue |
|---|---|---|---|
| File | A single document or piece of data (for example, a photo, PDF, or spreadsheet) | Opens in its default app (for example, a photo opens in Photos) | Often shows a file-type icon; may display a file extension like .pdf or .jpg (depending on settings) |
| Folder | A container that holds files and other folders | Opens to show its contents | Usually a folder-shaped icon |
| App | A program you can run (for example, Notepad, Calculator, a browser) | Launches the program | Often has a distinctive app logo |
| Shortcut | A link that points to a file, folder, or app (not the item itself) | Opens the target item it points to | Typically shows a small arrow overlay on the icon |
Why shortcuts matter
A shortcut is safe to use for organizing: deleting a shortcut usually does not delete the original file or app. It only removes the link. (If you are unsure, check the shortcut’s properties before deleting.)
Selecting items on the desktop
Selecting means highlighting an item so you can open it, move it, rename it, or use a menu command.
Single-click selection
Single-click an icon once to select it. You’ll see it highlighted.
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After selecting, you can press
Enterto open it, or right-click to see options.
Drag a selection box (marquee select)
To select multiple items that are near each other:
Click and hold on an empty area of the desktop (not on an icon).
Drag to draw a rectangle around the items you want.
Release the mouse button to select everything inside the box.
Tip: If you accidentally start dragging an icon instead of drawing a box, click an empty area first, then try again.
Opening items
Double-click to open
Double-click an item to open it. This is the most common way to open files, folders, and shortcuts from the desktop.
Open with Enter
You can also:
Single-click to select an item.
Press
Enterto open it.
This is useful if you prefer keyboard navigation.
Using right-click context menus safely
Right-clicking an item shows a context menu: a list of actions that apply to that specific item (file, folder, shortcut, or empty desktop area).
Common right-click options you’ll see
Open: Opens the item.
Open with: Choose a different app to open a file.
Copy / Cut: Prepares the item to be pasted elsewhere.
Delete: Sends the item to the Recycle Bin (usually).
Rename: Lets you type a new name.
Properties: Shows details like file size, location, and (for shortcuts) the target it points to.
Safety checks before choosing a command
Use Properties when you’re unsure what an item is (especially shortcuts). For a shortcut, check the Target or Location so you know what it opens.
Be cautious with actions like Delete and anything that sounds permanent. If you’re not sure, cancel and verify first.
If you right-click an empty area of the desktop, you’ll see options related to the desktop itself (such as view/sort settings and creating new items).
Common desktop icons (may vary by Windows version)
Some computers show special system icons on the desktop. The exact set and appearance can differ by Windows version and by how the PC is configured.
This PC
This PC is a gateway to your computer’s storage and connected devices. Opening it typically shows drives (like C:), folders such as Documents and Downloads, and sometimes network locations.
Recycle Bin
Recycle Bin is a holding area for deleted items. In many cases, deleting a file or folder from the desktop sends it here so it can be restored later. The icon often changes appearance depending on whether it contains items.
The taskbar: your launch and status strip
The taskbar is usually along the bottom of the screen. It helps you start apps, switch between open windows, and check system status.
Start button area
At one end of the taskbar you’ll find the Start button area. Selecting it opens the Start experience where you can access apps and system options. (The exact look and position can differ by Windows version and settings.)
Pinned apps
Pinned apps are shortcuts placed on the taskbar so you can open them quickly. They stay there even when the app isn’t running.
Running app indicators
When an app is open, its taskbar icon typically shows a visual indicator (such as an underline or highlight). Selecting the icon usually brings the app to the front, and selecting it again may minimize or cycle through windows (behavior can vary).
System tray / notification area
On the opposite end of the taskbar is the notification area (often called the system tray). It commonly includes:
Network/Wi‑Fi status
Volume/sound
Battery (on laptops)
Background app icons (some may be hidden behind an overflow arrow)
Clock and calendar
The taskbar clock shows the current time (and usually the date). Selecting it typically opens a calendar or time-related panel.
Quick settings and notifications entry points
Depending on your Windows version, selecting the cluster of system icons (like network/volume/battery) may open Quick Settings (toggles such as Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, brightness). A separate notifications entry point may open a notifications panel where recent alerts appear.
Practice flow: desktop and taskbar essentials
Follow these short exercises in order. They build confidence with selecting, right-clicking, shortcuts, taskbar pinning, and the Recycle Bin.
1) Create a folder on the desktop
Go to an empty area of the desktop.
Right-click the empty area.
Select New > Folder.
Type a name such as
Practice Folder.Press
Enterto save the name.
2) Create a shortcut to an app or file
Option A: Create a shortcut to a desktop item (easy if you already have a file/folder on the desktop):
Right-click the file or folder you want to link to.
Select Create shortcut.
A new shortcut appears (often named like “Shortcut to …”). Drag it to where you want on the desktop.
Option B: Create a shortcut to a specific app (works even if the app isn’t on the desktop):
Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
Select New > Shortcut.
In the location box, enter a path if you know it, or select Browse to find an app or file.
Select Next, name the shortcut, then select Finish.
Safety check: Right-click the new shortcut > Properties to confirm it points where you expect.
3) Pin and unpin an app on the taskbar
Pin (one common method):
Open the app you want to pin (so its icon appears on the taskbar).
Right-click the app’s taskbar icon.
Select Pin to taskbar.
Unpin:
Right-click the pinned app icon on the taskbar.
Select Unpin from taskbar.
Note: Wording may vary slightly by Windows version, but “Pin to taskbar” and “Unpin from taskbar” are common.
4) Delete an item and restore it from the Recycle Bin
On the desktop, select the folder you created (for example,
Practice Folder).Press
Delete(or right-click > Delete).Open Recycle Bin from the desktop.
Find the deleted folder in the list.
Right-click it and select Restore.
Return to the desktop and confirm the folder is back.
