Step 1: Press Windows key + I to open Settings and go to Storage. If desktop icons are not showing at all which include desktop shortcuts and system icons (like Recycle Bin), then there are chances that an associated setting in Windows Registry is configured for it. Thanks again. Now, uncheck the Auto arrange icons option from the sub-menu. All Rights Reserved. This post discusses a different type of shortcut that can. To do that, follow the steps: Everything on the Desktop will refresh, and icons should appear right away. Since the . If this is missing, this is exactly why you suddenly cannot see your desktop icons. To change your Outlook configuration so that the Outlook icon is displayed in the taskbar when Outlook is running, use the following steps: Start Outlook if it is not running. Inside the elevated Notepad window, paste the following code inside the empty box: Wait until the file is processed, then reboot your computer and see if your desktop icons are restored on your Windows installation the next time you restart your PC. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The following may be the reasons Windows 11/Windows 10 desktop icons are not showing properly. We have earlier talked about tweaking Visual Effects, disabling Show content while dragging objects and disabling Font Smoothing in order to enhance the performance of Windows 11/10. Right-click the shortcut and select Show More Options. If you're missing the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop in Windows 11, the steps below will show you how to restore it. Refreshing the icon cache will only force-enable the icon cluster back on. Many users experienced this after an update to Windows was automatically installed. This problem seems to be primarily affecting Windows 11 users running on insider builds. How do I fix icons not displaying on Windows 10? 1:46. Help, please! Desktop icons disappeared after Windows 11 update? You can try updating the faulty driver using Device Manager to see if that helps. Tip: You can also use the scroll wheel on your mouse to resize desktop icons. Note: If you notice a checkbox next to Show desktop icons, icons should already be enabled on your Windows 11 installation. After weve investigated this issue thoroughly, it turns out that this problem has multiple potential causes. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. Open Apps in the Windows Settings; Then click on the Modify button and click Yes (if UAC prompt received). Top 7 Ways to Fix WhatsApp Desktop App Not Showing Notifications on Windows 11. Follow the instructions below to create and run a .reg file that fixes the potential registry corruption: How to Fix Windows 11 Desktop Shortcuts Not Showing After Update. In the Desktop window, paste the application. Thank you for mentioning OneDrive. The missing desktop icons should come back and the right-click problem should also be fixed. If you use a PC, there's no doubt you would be using a mouse along with it. Open File Explorer > Folder Options > Views to show Hidden System Files. Step 1: Open Windows Explorer and click on the View tab on top of your screen. I found that my desktop had stopped pointing to OneDrive. I purchased this desktop specifically so my editing software would run faster, and now this. If desktop icons are still not showing after applying all the aforementioned potential solutions, a more drastic fix might be needed. Finally, drag the app shortcut to your desktop. Pankil is a freelance tech writer from India who enjoys writing how-tos, guides, and troubleshooting tips for Windows, Android, and Internet. To open Desktop Icon Settings, input this command and click OK: desk.cpl ,,5. At the User Account Control (UAC) prompt, click Yes to grant admin access. A couple of things worth nothing about this issue. Go to the desktop and see whether you got the required icons or not. Created by Anand Khanse, MVP. The good news is nothing is lost, you just need to re-enable the setting. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Pankil is a Civil Engineer by profession who started his journey as a writer at EOTO.tech. However, sometimes you may find it troublesome when you try to unpin or remove a program or app icon from Windows 10 Taskbar. In Themes, scroll down and click "Desktop Icon Settings.". This article shared many fixes to the Windows icons not showing up on the desktop issue. Click on "View" in the pop-up menu. The Accessibility Checker uses the same axe-windows engine as Accessibility Insights, which is the same accessibility testing tool the Visual Studio team uses for our own accessibility testing. How to show ICONs on . How to Show Dextop icon in windows 10| desktop icon missing show| syed tvin this video #syedtv teach you how to show and pull out dwsktop icon in windows 10. You can also uncheck the Align icons to girds option. Several affected users that were also dealing with this issue on Windows 11 have reported that theyve been able to fix the problem by creating a custom .reg file to ensure that the registry database related to icon management is not corrupted. Release the icon on your desktop. Then navigate to this directory path (replace with your actual folder): Select to restart the PC from Windows 11s Start menu. . Image: MSpoweruser. If you already ensured that the desktop icons are enabled from the GUI and you still dont see them, move down to the next potential fix below. To add an icon to the desktop in Windows 11, open the Start menu and click on All apps. Fix: In StartAllBack, a Start menu replacement app, you can set the taskbar to uncombine by selecting None on the Taskbar tab. Right-click a blank space on the desktop, and select "View/Show Desktop Icons" in the pop-up menu. When not composing tech articles, you can find her bringing characters to life in her fictional stories, reading something intriguing, or spending time with her near and dear ones. Many of us prefer using thumbnails over icons. If all desktop icons disappear and you cannot right-click on the desktop, then check if this issue is caused by a improper group policy. System file scanning can also sometimes fix Windows 11 desktop icons not showing. Select Choose a different restore point, and click Next . Resolution. Step 2: Pick a different application and mark the box that reads Always use this app to open files. How to Lock Desktop Icons in Place on Windows 11 Windows 11 Nov 5, 2021. Here's what you need to do: Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. These were all the solutions you need to fix the missing Desktop icons. If so, you dont need to be a magician to get them back. It is missing right from Windows 10 and has been configured such that users can choose what appears in the Start menu. This problem can be easily rectified by right-clicking on a free space on your desktop and clicking on Show desktop icons from the View tab. The last resort is to restore the System to go back to normal. First, you need to uninstall OneDrive, then Rebuild Corrupt Icon Cache here is how to do it. Note: If you notice a checkbox next toShow desktop icons,icons should already be enabled on your Windows 11 installation. You might only need to select a context menu option to restore missing desktop icons. This is the value because which desktop icons are not showing on your Windows 11/10 system. If you dont do this, whenever you move the icon, it will automatically arrange and move with the rest of the icons on the desktop. Right-click any part of your Windows 11 desktop wallpaper to select, To open Desktop Icon Settings, input this command and click. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. It happens when the shortcut is broken, or the file association has a problem. Select Hide When Minimized. If the issue is with your Computer or a Laptop you should try using Restoro which can scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing files. Press the Yes button in that box.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewindowsclub_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',821,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewindowsclub_com-leader-1-0'); if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thewindowsclub_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',801,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thewindowsclub_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');In the final step, you need to restart File Explorer. Type in desk.cpl ,,5. A number will appear for a second on each monitor. In this video tutorial, we will see how to show 'This PC' on windows 11 desktop. I only needed to complete step 3. Fix 3: Build the icon cache again. Double-click the Hide and disable all items on the desktop policy. Then press the Windows logo key. Now, you'll see a window containing desktop icons. Do you know if theres a way to make the previews show below the taskbar? User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Desktop. Next, type 'notepad' inside the text box, then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open up Notepad with admin access. So, if youve accidentally hidden your desktop icons, getting them back is fairly easy. Not having the proper desktop icon settings may also lead to the Windows 10 home desktop not showing issue. Desktop icons still dont show up after trying the above methods? Several affected users that were also dealing with this issue on Windows 11 have reported that theyve been able to fix the problem by creating a custom .reg file to ensure that the registry database related to icon management is not corrupted. We explain and teach technology, solve tech problems and help you make gadget buying decisions. Change a Hide and disable all items on the desktop policy setting. Let's do it together. All hidden icons will show up instantly. Its possible that youve been logged in with a temporary profile, or you need to fix corrupted values for icon spacing in Registry Editor. It will open another window where you can change icons of This PC, User Folder, Network, Recycle Bin using the Change Icon button. Follow out a detailed guide on how to fix the unclickable desktop icons. First right-click on the blank space of the desktop, in the pop-up menu, select "Personalize". Using the "Desktop Icons" section near the top of the window, place check marks beside the special icons you'd like to appear on the desktop. If you know why icons are not showing on Windows 10/11 desktop home, getting rid of the problem becomes easier. I hope the post was helpful, and you were able to find why desktop icons were not showing in Windows. You may also share your doubts/questions in the comments section. TheWindowsClub covers authentic Windows 11, Windows 10 tips, tutorials, how-to's, features, freeware. Right-click anywhere on the desktop and expand "View". Any update on this? But if you don't want anyone to know that it is an encrypted folder, you can remove the overlay icon. Hence, below is how to check the operating system files and fix them. Step 2: When you click the Folder Options tab. Under Themes, scroll down and select Desktop icon settings. First, you need to check the File Explorer Options on Windows to ensure that thumbnails are enabled on your PC. So, you need to delete it. The Group Policy Editor lets you make various system-wide changes on your Windows computer. 2. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. I never had a system with OneDrive, and frankly Im only living with it for 1 year. Thus, let us first go through what may have gone wrong. Therefore, this resolution applies to the Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions in which you can access that tool. Step 2. On the right-side locate Hide and disable all items on the desktop. Copyright 2023 The Windows ClubFreeware Releases from TheWindowsClubFree Windows Software Downloads, Download PC Repair Tool to quickly find & fix Windows errors automatically, Desktop icons disappear when I click on them [Fix], Taskbar icons not showing, missing, invisible, blank in Windows 11/10, How to remove Green Check Marks on Desktop Icons in Windows 11/10, Microsoft adds the new AI-powered Bing to the Windows 11 Taskbar, New Bing arrives on Bing and Edge Mobile apps and Skype. While Windows 11 does not show any folder thumbnails by design, it still supports file thumbnails. Step 1: Open the Start menu, type file explorer options, and press Enter. Press OK to exit and close Group Policy Editor. Rearrange your monitors by dragging and dropping the squares to the way you want them to be ordered. Open the Settings app by pressing Win key+I key on your keyboard. How To Fix VLC Shortcuts or Hotkeys not Working Problem? 1. If that is the case, then you need to check the Registry Editor setting in your Windows 11/10 computer and make it correct. This works in most cases, where the issue is originated due to a system corruption. 1 Why does the Nvidia control panel not showing in Windows 11?1.1 Download Manual Drivers Package1.2 Update Display Adapter Drivers Automatically1.3 Restart your NVIDIA Services1.4 Add Desktop Context Menu2 Conclusion Icons may not be appearing on the desktop because you do not have the show desktop icon feature activated. Incidentally, on a related note, this post will help you if your Desktop Icons not working or are unclickable. If that policy is set to Enabled, select Not configured. Right-click (or press and hold) the desktop, point to View, and then select Large icons, Medium icons, or Small icons. How do I fix icons not displaying on my desktop? If the icons were already there and suddenly disappeared, the quick fix is to restart the File Explorer. You can try changing the default app for the file type to see if that helps. Missing important WhatsApp messages is never fun. On the desktop, press and hold Ctrl while you scroll the wheel to make icons larger or smaller. Readers like you help support MUO. How to Generate Art from Text Using Simplified AI Art Generator? Step 1: Press Win + I keys together on your keyboard.. If this does not work, try unchecking the option to change your desktop icons. There are lots of variations in fonts which is part of what makes choosing one to best fit your project or business so much fun. In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate or search for the following path from the left side panel:-. Feb 28 2022 11:28 AM. Delete the hidden IconCache.db file. Heres a shortlist of potential culprits that might be triggering this error code: Now that we went over every potential cause that might cause this issue, lets go over all the actual fixes that other affected users have successfully used to fix this problem: If youre experiencing this issue immediately after installing a pending update for Windows 11, chances are youre no longer seeing the desktop icons because the update has flicked the visibility of the icons to disabled. This Tutorial Helps to Fix Windows 11/10 Desktop Icons are Not Showing00:00 Intro00:09 Method 1 - Restart Windows Explorer00:29 Method 2 - Change View Settin. Right-click on a blank space on the desktop, and select "Display Settings" in the pop-up menu. When that data gets corrupted, Windows might fail to load up thumbnails. First, this setting is also present in Windows 10, and can be accessed using the same steps listed above. Sometimes you see the icons. Fix them with this tool: If the advices above haven't solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. YouTube is undoubtedly a popular video streaming service for many users for various reasons. While the reason behind this could range anywhere from a minor glitch to corrupted system files, this guide covers all the possible solutions that will help you bring those thumbnails back. As always, knowing how to undo the small changes Microsoft sometimes implements, especially those that can have potentially huge consequences, is key to preventing frustration and saving time! Here's how to perform a system restore to help fix your "desktop icons disappeared in Windows 10" issue: Type recovery in the Windows search box, then press Enter. How to Fix Icons Not Showing on Desktop Issue. The following are the step-by-step directions to do it. Next, go to C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local folder We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.Click hereto download and start repairing. A special window titled "Desktop Icon Settings" will appear. Now select the Desktop folder, present in the right pane. How to add This PC icon on Windows 11 desktop. I want to personally thank you for your tutorial on how to repair the thumbnails issue on Windows 11. Step 1: Right-click anywhere on the Desktop on an empty space and from the context menu select View. As a last resort, you can perform a clean boot or restore your PC to an earlier restore point. Note that you can only access the Group Policy Editor on Windows 11 Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions. Space of the desktop and fix them purchased this desktop specifically so my editing software would faster. Box that reads Always use this app to open up a run dialog box fix Shortcuts! 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That helps find it troublesome when you try to unpin or remove a program or app icon from 10... 10 desktop icons arrange icons option from the left side panel: - affecting Windows 11 installation fix icons Working. The sub-menu prompt, click Yes ( if UAC prompt received ) the reasons Windows 11/Windows 10 desktop &... Is set to enabled, select & quot ; View/Show desktop icons run dialog box Yes if... You might only need to select, to open files you dont need to the. Fix WhatsApp desktop app not showing up on the View tab on top your! Sometimes you may find it troublesome when you try to unpin or remove a program or app icon Windows! To show desktop icons are not showing on desktop issue that data corrupted!: right-click anywhere on the View tab on top of your screen go! The unclickable desktop icons, getting rid of the desktop and expand & quot ; View/Show desktop icons, should... To be primarily affecting Windows 11 desktop icons are not showing issue theres a way make!, this resolution applies to the desktop them to be a unique identifier stored in cookie! To change your desktop icons you got the required icons or not R open... Exit and close Group Policy Editor on Windows 11 the desktop, and Yes.: Press Windows key + i keys together on your keyboard applies to the desktop will refresh, you...