Windows 7: Hide Desktop Icons

In older versions of Windows I had to remove all the icons and folders from the desktop to keep it clean (which is how I like it). But, with Windows 7 you can keep your icons and folders on the desktop, but just hide them so they are not visible. You can always access them by going to the Desktop folder inside Windows Explorer.

To turn off the desktop icons: Right-click on the desktop and de-select View → Show desktop icons.