Desktop Cleanup Wizard

Desktop Cleanup Wizard A component of Microsoft Windows
Desktop Cleanup Wizard
Details
Included with	Windows XP
Related components
Windows shell

The Desktop Cleanup Wizard is a component included with Microsoft's Windows XP operating system. It aims to reduce the clutter in a user's desktop environment by moving unused shortcuts to a separate directory called "Unused Desktop Shortcuts".^[1]

The Desktop Cleanup Wizard works as a scheduled task that runs once a day. If the wizard has not been run for 60 days, the Wizard is displayed to the user. The Desktop Cleanup Wizard is also accessible from the desktop's context menu, in the "Arrange Icons By" sub-menu.

The Desktop Cleanup Wizard scheduled task can be enabled or disabled in the "Desktop Items" configuration screen, which is available through the Desktop tab on the Display Properties dialog box.^[2]

Windows XP's successor, Windows Vista, does not include the Desktop Cleanup Wizard. As of Windows 7, its function has been integrated into the System Maintenance Wizard in the Troubleshooting Control Panel.

See also

• Features new to Windows XP
• Features removed from Windows Vista

References

1. ^ "A Description of the Desktop Cleanup Wizard (MSKB293154)". Microsoft. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/293154. Retrieved 2008-11-19. 
2. ^ Luke Swagger (30 March, 2004). "Quick Tip: Eliminate XP's Desktop Cleanup Wizard". TechRepublic. http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-5174105.html. Retrieved 2008-11-19.