How to Add and remove desktop icons in Linux Mint (Computer, Home, Network, and Trash Can)

A tool like gconf-editor is great for adding or removing some default icons on your desktop. We can add the trash can as well as remove the home folder or Computer icon.

 

 

Before - Default Desktop Icons: (Indudes Computer and Home Foler)

Default Desktop Icons in Linux Mint

 

 

Open a terminal window

Menu > Terminal

 

 

Open a terminal in Linux mint my clicking on Menu > Terminal

 

 

Terminal window open in Linux Mint

 

 

 

 

Type the following command

gconf-editor

 

 

Type gconf-editor in the terminal

 

 

You should now see a window similar to the image below.

 

 

Linux Mint gconf-editor window

 

 

Click on Apps

 

 

Click on Apps - Linux Mint

 

 

Scroll down and click on nautilus

 

 

Click on nautilus - Linux Mint

 

 

Select Desktop

 

 

Select Desktop in gconf-editor in Linux Mint

 

 

On the right hand side you should see some options to show icons such as computer, network, home folder, and the trash icon. Uncheck the ones you wish to hide.

The changes should be in real time so as you uncheck or check an item you will notice the icon appear or disappear.

 

 

Select the items you would like to display and uncheck the ones you don't want to display on the desktop

 

 

Now just close out gconf-editor and start enjoying your changes.

 

 

After: Edited Desktop Icons - Removed Computer and Home folder and added Trash Icon

 

 

Linux Mint desktop icons after making the changes with gconf-editor

 

 

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