how do i delete multiples of the same apps on my desktop

Question

how do i delete multiples of the same apps on my desktop

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John!

When you say multiple of the same apps on the desktop, do you mean:

1. Multiple icons/shortcuts of the same app showing on the desktop?
2. Or the same app installed multiple times in the Apps list?

If they are just desktop shortcuts, you can simply delete the extra ones:

• Right-click the duplicate icon on the desktop.
• Select Delete.
• This will only remove the shortcut, not the actual app.

Also, are the duplicates appearing every time you restart, or are they just already on the desktop?

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Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 2

On Windows 11, desktop “apps” are usually shortcuts. Deleting extra copies only removes the shortcuts, not the actual apps.

To remove duplicate app icons from the desktop:

1. Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
2. In the left pane, select Desktop (under This PC or Quick access).
3. In the right pane, hold Ctrl and click each duplicate app icon you want to remove.
4. Press the Delete key, or select the Home tab and click Delete.
5. Confirm if prompted. This removes the extra shortcuts from the desktop.

If instead there are multiple copies of the same app actually installed and they appear in Start > All apps or Settings > Apps, uninstall the extra installs:

1. Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
2. Find the app in the list.
3. Select More (…) > Uninstall and follow the prompts.

This removes the app itself from the device.

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References:

• Uninstall or remove apps and programs in Windows
• Delete a file