Questions
- How can I quickly hide everything on my desktop for a meeting or screen share?
- How do I hide system icons like hard disks (macOS) or This PC and the Recycle Bin (Windows)?
- Is there a way to tidy up files on the desktop without deleting them?
- Can I hide individual files or folders on Windows?
- Will hiding desktop items change or delete my files?
Environment
This article applies to macOS Sequoia (15.x) and newer and to Windows 11, on college-owned or personal computers. All steps use built-in settings and do not require administrator rights. These options change only what appears on the desktop; they do not delete your files.
Resolution
macOS options
Option 1: Hide all desktop items using Stage Manager
- Open System Settings.
- Select Desktop & Dock.
- Under Desktop & Stage Manager, uncheck the On Desktop box next to "Show items."
- When you are done presenting, check the box again to show items.
Option 2: Move items into a folder on your desktop
- On the desktop, choose File > New Folder (or Control-click and choose New Folder) and name it, for example, "Desktop Items."
- Select the files and folders you want to hide from view and drag them into the new folder.
- Open the folder anytime to access your items, or move them back out to make them visible again.
Option 3: Tidy up files with Stacks (groups files by type, date, or tags)
- Right-click (or Control-click) the desktop and select Use Stacks. You can also choose View > Use Stacks from the Finder menu.
- To adjust grouping, right-click the desktop, point to Group Stacks By, and choose your preference (for example, Kind or Date Last Opened).
- Click a stack to expand it when you need a file; click again to collapse it.
Option 4: Hide device icons (drives, servers) from the desktop
- Click the Finder menu in the top-left corner and choose Settings.
- On the General tab, uncheck the items you do not want on the desktop (for example, Hard disks, External disks, Connected servers).
- Close the window; changes take effect immediately.
Windows options
Option 1: Hide all desktop icons quickly
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Select View.
- Click Show desktop icons to remove the checkmark. Icons are hidden immediately.
- Repeat and re-check Show desktop icons to make them visible again.
Option 2: Move items into a folder on your desktop
- Right-click the desktop, choose New > Folder, and name it, for example, "Desktop Items."
- Drag files and shortcuts you want hidden from view into this folder.
- Open the folder anytime to access your items, or move them back out to make them visible again.
Option 3: Hide system icons (This PC, Recycle Bin, Network, and so on)
- Open Settings > Personalization > Themes.
- Select Desktop icon settings.
- Uncheck the system icons you do not want on the desktop, then select OK.
Option 4: Hide individual files or folders using the Hidden attribute
- Right-click the file or folder and select Properties.
- On the General tab, check Hidden, then select OK (and Apply to all contents if prompted for a folder).
- Make sure hidden items are not shown: open File Explorer, select View > Show, and ensure Hidden items is not checked.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources