Clearing Desktop Folders

Use control+C to copy
Use Control+V to paste

Armed with this knowledge, copy the items you wish to move, then open file explorer and paste them into the desired directory. After you complete that, delete what was on the desktop.

natmad said:

Hello, I am looking to speed up my desktop computer. I read about moving folders into libraries, but it doesnt physically remove them from the desktop in order to free up space (currently using 109 GB of space on the desktop). When I added a folder into a library, and then deleted the folder from the desktop, it removed the contents of that folder from the library. So my question is, how do I move the folders into libraries to free up the desktop space so my computer speeds up? BTW-using Windows 10. Thanks!

Please be aware and keep in mind that Libraries are Special System files called Junctions. Moving (adding) files to libraries does not duplicate the contents or move the contents. The Library entries are simply pointers back to the original folders/files. Think of it as a pile of books in the floor. On the shelve is a card catalog box with 3x5 index cards. On the cards are the names of the books. Name....only the names, and a note to where on the floor the physical book is. Delete the book off the floor discards the index card in the box. Throwing away the index card does NOT throw away the book.

So, if you have moved folders to a Library (term is actually "include") and then deleted the folder, the contents of that folder is lost.

Well, what exactly is it that you're wanting to move? Let's see a screenshot.

natmad said:

Thanks for the fast replies! The copy/paste thing didn't work, because I was prompted to create a library. I was trying to paste into a library folder. Anyway, I've also read to create a folder in the directory you want. How do I know which directory to choose?

You "Include" folders in a Library, not copy them into a Library. Look at this example, it's from my machine, so ignore names etc.

I right-clicked a folder. Get these options. Include in Library and a list of existing Libraries.



You got that message about creating a library because you tried to "paste" a folder in there and it won't allow it...not the way it's done. If you want a new different Library to include folder in, create one, then "Include" whatever folders you want in the Library.

Please re-read my previous post on libraries.

Clearing Desktop Folders

It's important to understand what they are and what they are not.

natmad said:

Hello, I am looking to speed up my desktop computer. I read about moving folders into libraries, but it doesnt physically remove them from the desktop in order to free up space (currently using 109 GB of space on the desktop). When I added a folder into a library, and then deleted the folder from the desktop, it removed the contents of that folder from the library. So my question is, how do I move the folders into libraries to free up the desktop space so my computer speeds up? BTW-using Windows 10. Thanks!

A cluttered desktop doesn't slow down your computer, it just makes a mess of the desktop. I have multiple drives in my system and keep all my files in them and not on the desktop. You most likely have just one drive on your system. That being the case you can create a second partition on that drive and store all your files and folders in that partition. This also protects your files if Windows 10 decides to go south and you have to reload the system. Just make sure that the partition is large enough to hold all your files. You say your folders are 109 GB. I would make the partition at least 250 to 300 GB if your drive can accommodate it. Windows will want to make the partition in MB and not GB. So that would be 250000 MB or 300000 MB Here's a video on how to create a partition on your hard drive. Now that you have created the partition you can create a shortcut to that partition on the desktop for quick access leaving your desktop clean.

FWIW I keep personal documents in folders under My Documents, My Pictures etc. These are located on a separate drive on my desktop PC. I put a shortcut to these key folders on the Desktop so the Desktop itself occupies very little storage.