How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List

This updated guide examines How to Remove a Background from the Desktop Background List and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 2:

Windows 7

1. Right-click on your desktop and select "Personalize. "
   • On the top left of the window that pops up, click "Control Panel Home."
2. Under the Appearance and Personalization header on the right column, click "Change desktop background. "
3. 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. 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.
   • Go to that folder in your explorer window and right-click on the image to delete it from your computer.

Method 2of 2:

Windows XP

1. Open up My Computer from the Start menu.
   • Then select Tools then Folder Options
   • Click the "View" tab then click "Show Hidden Files and Folders" and click "OK".
2. 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. When you're in the Windows folder, locate and double-click the internet folder
   • Then double-click on the "Wallpaper" folder.
   • Look for the wallpaper/pictures you want to delete
   • If you're using Firefox, it may be stored in C:Documents and SettingsApplication DataMozillaFirefox
   • If you're using Internet Explorer, it may be stored in C:Documents and SettingsApplication DataMicrosoftInternet Explorer
4. If you still have not found it, go to Start Menu, Search.
   • Click "All files and folders", and enter the name of the background to locate it.
5. 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.