How to remove a persistent shortcut ''Learn about this picture'' from Microsoft Edge in the desktop ?

Question

I found a shortcut useless to me that I didn't expect to see on my desktop operating a Windows 10 version of the system. I realized this shortcut called ''Learn about this picture'' was from Microsoft Edge and its intention was to show images on the web from Microsoft Bing but I couldn't remove it using the trash or the keyboard command (shift+del). So, I decided to delete all files (app) from Microsoft Edge but there was no way to erase the shortcut. I tried many file cleaners, antivirus softwares but nothing deleted the corrupted shortcut. When I tried to access it, the system showed the following error message: ''This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action. Please install an app or, if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Apps Settings page.'' but cannot be deleted. I just want to see my desktop free from this tool. How do I get rid of this shortcut ? It's annexed in the bottom of this message screenshots revealing the issue. For example: the shortcut and the error message of the corrupted file.

Shortcut learn about this picture.jpg

Shortcut.jpg

shortcut error message.jpg

Answer 1

Hi @Valmichel Jonas ,

The "Learn about this picture" shortcut is related to a Windows feature called Windows spotlight. A simple way for you to remove this shortcut is to opt out of that Windows spotlight. Here's what you can do:

1. Right click on your desktop and select Personalize
2. In Background panel, you should see your current choice is Windows spotlight. Just choose other options like Picture, and you will find the shortcut is gone.

If you want to keep using the Windows spotlight feature but just want to get rid of this shortcut, please follow these steps to modify the registry settings:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel.
3. Right-click on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it {2cc5ca98-6485-489a-920e-b3e88a6ccce3}.
4. Double-click on the new value and set its data to 1.
5. Close the Registry Editor and refresh your desktop

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Best Regards,

Shijie Li