If your Windows 11 desktop icons are not showing, you’ve come to the right place. Sometimes, desktop icons may be hidden by default. Desktop icons provide quick shortcuts to open essential applications like File Explorer, Control Panel, Recycle Bin, Network, and User Settings.
The latest update to the Windows operating system has introduced a new look to improve the user experience. In addition, in Windows 11, the desktop icons have been redesigned. In this guide, we will learn how to add desktop icons in Windows 11.
How to Add Desktop Icons in Windows 11
Adding desktop icons to your Windows 11 computer can improve your productivity by giving you quick access to frequently used apps, folders, or websites. Instead of searching for files or programs, you can simply click the icons right from your desktop.
1. Add Desktop Icons
Here are the steps you can follow to add default desktop icons on Windows 11, including Computer (This PC), Network, Recycle Bin, Control Panel, and User’s Files.
1. Press Win + I to open the Windows Settings.
2. After that, right-click on the personalization option and click on the Themes option from the left-hand side menu.
3. On the right-hand side of the Settings page, you will find the desktop icon settings under the Related Settings section. Simply click on it to open the settings.
4. Here, choose the icons you want to add to the desktop, then click Apply and OK to save the changes.
5. After that, you have the icons on your desktop. From here, you can easily access these apps.
That’s it! This is how you can add desktop icons in Windows 11. If you want to change a desktop icon, you can do so. Just follow the linked guide for instructions.
2. Add Shortcut to Desktop
In addition to system icons, you can add app shortcuts to your desktop directly from the Start Menu for quick access.
1. Click the Start Menu and locate the app you want to add.
2. Right-click the app and select More > Open file location.
Note
If the file location is not available, then the application can not be added to the desktop.
3. Right-click the app shortcut in the file location window and select the Show More Options.
4. After that, select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
How to Make Desktop Icons Visible in Windows 11
After adding the desktop icons, if you’re unable to see them on your system, the first and foremost step is to double-check that the desktop icons are not hidden. To check, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on the desktop and select View from the context menu.
2. Then, click on the Show Desktop Icons option.
If you don’t want desktop icons on your desktop, you can uncheck the ‘Show desktop icons’ option. Additionally, in this menu, you’ll find an option to increase the icon size.
That’s it! This is how you can add desktop icons in Windows 11. If you want to create a desktop shortcut in Windows 11, follow the linked guide.
