How to remove undeletable app icon from desktop on my Mac?

I have an icon on my desktop of an application I deleteded. When I try to move the icon to the trash I get a message saying I have to first download the app. When I try to download the app I get a message that the application cannot be installed. How do I remove this icon?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Removal of icon from desktop

MacBook Air 15″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Aug 29, 2025 06:44 AM

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7 replies

Aug 29, 2025 07:11 AM in response to swalt7162

swalt7162 wrote:

I have an icon on my desktop of an application I deleteded. When I try to move the icon to the trash I get a message saying I have to first download the app. When I try to download the app I get a message that the application cannot be installed. How do I remove this icon?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Removal of icon from desktop

You may consider the previous suggestion, First


Though am somewhat confused here


OP wrote " I have an icon on my desktop of an application I deleteded." and then goes not to write " How do I remove this icon?


Can you elaborate further ?

Aug 31, 2025 06:15 AM in response to Owl-53

Of course I meant "deleted". I did try to delete the icon in safe mode with no better results. To be specific, when I try to move the icon to the trash I get the message: The operation cannot be completed because "Sleep Control Center" needs to be downloaded. When I go to the App Store I only have the option to update the app but get the message: Unable to download. Sleep Control Center could not be installed Try again later. I have Sequoia 15.6.1 installed. The app itself is nowhere to be found in my applications folder.


Aug 31, 2025 06:58 AM in response to swalt7162

Update the application


From what I see from the Apple App Store


This Application was last updated 7 months ago


That would place the computer running macOS 15.3 ( 24D60 )


Not Sequoia 15.6.1



There are some misconceptions that often arise when third-party products fail to function or meet user expectations.


Apple is responsible for addressing issues with its own services, applications, operating systems.


However, Apple cannot rectify user choices of third-party products  installed and used on their computers.


This responsibility lies solely with the third party to evaluate the performance of their products when used on an Apple Computer running the intended version of macOS.


How to contact an app developer



Aug 31, 2025 09:51 AM in response to swalt7162

swalt7162 wrote:

I have an icon on my desktop of an application I deleteded. When I try to move the icon to the trash I get a message saying I have to first download the app. When I try to download the app I get a message that the application cannot be installed. How do I remove this icon?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: Removal of icon from desktop


what application icon...?

How to remove undeletable app icon from desktop on my Mac?

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