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How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows)

Desktop backgrounds are a great way to express your love for your favorite celebrities or to showcase a collection of your favorite quotes. New features even allow you to rotate between different desktop backgrounds to help you switch it...
Method 1 of 2:

Windows 7

  1. How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 1How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 1
    Right-click on your desktop and select "Personalize."
    1. On the top left of the window that pops up, click "Control Panel Home."
      How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 2How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 2
  2. How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 3How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 3
    Under the Appearance and Personalization header on the right column, click "Change desktop background."
  3. How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 4How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 4
    You will see a screen that lists all of your currently available desktop backgrounds. Find the background that you don't want, and uncheck the box to remove it as a desktop background option.
  4. How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 5How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 5
    If you want to delete the file from your computer entirely, look at the sub-header above the desktop background thumbnail and note the image's folder location. In this example, my unwanted desktop background is on the desktop.
    1. Go to that folder in your explorer window and right-click on the image to delete it from your computer.

Method 2 of 2:

Windows XP

  1. How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 6How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 6
    Open up My Computer from the Start menu.
    1. Then select Tools then Folder Options
      How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 7How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 7
    2. Click the "View" tab then click "Show Hidden Files and Folders" and click "OK".
      How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 8How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 8
  2. How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 9How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 9
    Navigate to the C: drive and look for the Windows folder. If you are presented with a warning about modifying system files, click the 'Show files' link to continue.
  3. How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 10How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 10
    When you're in the Windows folder, locate and double-click the Web folder
    1. Then double-click on the "Wallpaper" folder.
      How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 11How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 11
    2. Look for the wallpaper/pictures you want to delete
      How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 12How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 12
    3. If you're using Firefox, it may be stored in C:Documents and SettingsApplication DataMozillaFirefox
      How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 13How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 13
    4. If you're using Internet Explorer, it may be stored in C:Documents and SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftInternet Explorer
      How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 14How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 14
  4. How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 15How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 15
    If you still have not found it, go to Start Menu, Search.
    1. Click "All files and folders", and enter the name of the background to locate it.
      How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 16How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 16
  5. How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 17How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List (Windows) Picture 17
    When you have located the file, you can either delete it, or move it to a new folder. Try creating a folder called Moved Backgrounds. If you move the file to this new folder, it will be removed from your list, but still available on your PC should you change your mind.
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