Once you select it, click on the Apply button, and the icons appear. The above steps must have helped you resolve the Windows icons not showing issue. We covered this topic in more detail in our guide to how to add icons to the desktop on Windows. User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Desktop. 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. Right-click on an empty area on the Desktop and click on View > Show desktop icons. To show the icons, simply select the . You'll see the icon and the site address drag with your mouse cursor. Early today, Microsoft released Windows 11 Build 22000.176 to Insiders in the Beta Channel and Windows 11 Build 22449 to the Dev Channel Insiders. If you're only missing a few desktop icons, such as This PC, Recycle Bin, Control Panel, and others, you may have disabled them in the "Desktop Icon Settings" window. You may reset your computer to fix the random bugs that might be causing the Windows icons not showing on desktop issue. If the problem is still not fixed, move down to the final potential fix below. I spent my high school years working as a campus writer and researcher, as I get older, I want to broaden my horizons and live life to the fullest. The . System file corruption: Icon display issues can feasibly arise from corrupted system files. Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. Step 2: In the following window, switch to the View tab and click on the Restore Defaults button. Right-click anywhere on the desktop and expand "View". However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. Before fixing desktop icons not showing, its worth considering some of the causes for them disappearing in the first place. Then, click Next followed by Finish. Select Show and Click the Hidden items option. How to Generate Art from Text Using Simplified AI Art Generator? If you see a NoDesktop DWORD in the Explorer key, right-click it and select. 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. Unfortunately, when email issues happen, they can have a huge impact on your ability to communicate and be aware of issues. Regardless of what you store on your desktop - application shortcuts, files, folders, etc., it is important to have access to those items when you need them. It happens when the shortcut is broken, or the file association has a problem. Press Enter after each command. 5. While we all love to keep icons and files on the Desktop for quick access, it results in too much clutter. Created by Anand Khanse, MVP. If there has been a recent Windows 10 update, it could be that your missing desktop icons are related to a vulnerability patch contained in that update. Step 3: Scroll down to select Thumbnails and click on the Remove files option at the top. None of my older computers with previous Windows OS versions had this issue ever. However, before jumping to the solutions, it is always a good idea to take a look at the problems causes. For example, if you'd like to see the Recycle Bin on your desktop . If you configure your Desktop to hide all icons, all icons including the Recycle Bin will be hidden. 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. Click the Start button, type "Desktop Icon Settings" into the search bar, then hit Enter, click "Open," or click "Themes and Related Settings.". document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We at TechPout promise to put forth stories that help people to learn and simplify their digital life. TheWindowsClub covers authentic Windows 11, Windows 10 tips, tutorials, how-to's, features, freeware. Your desktop icons may be hidden. Right-click a folder on your Windows 11 PC and select Show more options to expand the menu. However, apps that werent pre-installed on your PC will not be preserved after a reset. Many users experienced this after an update to Windows was automatically installed. Click on OK to save changes. There might be other reasons why the Recycle Bin icon is missing from your Desktop. Onceyou fix the Desktop Icons and File Associations, it should be working again. That is fine the Themes window is where the . I hope you understand this article, Desktop icons not showing in Windows 11/10. [Codecs Support], 5Ways to Run File Explorer as Administrator in Windows 11. Windows 11 desktop icons not showing is an issue that can occur because of specific settings, a corrupted icon cache, or corrupted system files. If the icon cache is responsible for this problem, you should be able to fix the problem by refreshing the icon cache via Windows Terminal or by rebuilding the entire icon cache using a custom .BAT file. Hopefully, one of the solutions above has helped you bring those thumbnails back. The problem can also occur in some of the corrupt system files are related to the Desktop. Final remarks: Desktop icons not showing in Windows 11/10. The good news is nothing is lost, you just need to re-enable the setting. Removing icons and shortcuts does not prevent the user from using another method to start the programs or opening the items they represent. Heres how to refresh the icon cache via Windows Terminal: Note: If the icons are still not showing on your Windows 11 installation, follow the next sub-guide directly below. Right-click on a blank space on the desktop, and select "Display Settings" in the pop-up menu. Note that you can only access the Group Policy Editor on Windows 11 Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions. Double-click the Hide and disable all items on the desktop policy. You may follow the fixes shared in this article to get the icons back on the desktop. Have the icons on your desktop disappeared in Windows 11? It is important to mention that taking the time to recreate shortcuts and move files will only exacerbate the problem and end up frustrating you. When they made it a mandatory it really soured me on them because of syncing issues. There may be times when you might want to quickly show a clean desktop by hiding all the icons. If you dont want themes to change these icons, uncheck the box next that allows changing theme desktop icons. Rebuilding the entire icon cache will require you to build a custom BAT file that will automatically run a series of commands that will effectively rebuild the cache associated with every Windows icon. 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. But if you don't want anyone to know that it is an encrypted folder, you can remove the overlay icon. Update Windows 10. Click Identify to see how Windows sees your monitors. In the Desktop window, paste the application. Top 8 Ways to Fix Mouse Cursor Not Showing on Windows 11. It will open another window where you can change icons of This PC, User Folder, Network, Recycle Bin using the Change Icon button. 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. It is critical that your Windows computer shows the correct date and time. 29 Apr 2021 #2. Right-click (or press and hold) the desktop, point to View, and then select Large icons, Medium icons, or Small icons. Or you can also access the tab through "Start" > "Settings" > "Personalization". While Windows 11 does not show any folder thumbnails by design, it still supports file thumbnails. Download PC Repair Tool to quickly find & fix Windows errors automatically. If your desktop icons are still missing at this point, you can try restoring them manually. Once you do that, all your hidden desktop icons should reappear. Hello all, I've run into a problem on my laptop where icons are not showing up on the desktop. In the Processes tab, right-click Windows Explorer > Restart task . Select the shortcut icon, and then press F2. You can try changing the default app for the file type to see if that helps. 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. Why am I not able to click on desktop icons? Following that, your desktop icons should appear. Heres a shortlist of potential culprits that might be triggering this error code: The Windows Explorer process handles the Graphical User Interface (GUI) for a number of utilities, including the desktop. replied to Anonymous. Right-click on the Best match and click on Open file location; a new File Explorer window should pop up. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Step 1: Open Windows Explorer and click on the View tab on top of your screen. To remedy that, you can force Windows to rebuild that thumbnail cache. 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. If the refresh doesnt happen automatically, right-click on a free space on your desktop again and click on Refresh from the context menu. Fortunately, there is a way around this Windows 11 problem. Note: An issue with the icon cache is much more likely if youre noticing that taskbar icons and File Explorer icons also fail to display. Select the box that is your main monitor. If the icons were already there and suddenly disappeared, the quick fix is to restart the File Explorer. Top 7 Ways to Fix WhatsApp Desktop App Not Showing Notifications on Windows 11. I hope the post was helpful, and you were able to find why desktop icons were not showing in Windows. Your email address will not be published. #1 - How to Fix the Desktop Icons Not Moving Issue in Windows 10 / 11 . The problem of Windows 11 desktop icons not appearing might be brought on by particular settings, a damaged icon cache, or damaged system files. If checked, then uncheck it and click OK to apply changes made on your device. If Enabled, this setting removes icons, shortcuts, and other default and user-defined items from the desktop, including Recycle Bin, Computer, and Network Locations. Select Show desktop icons. Step 1: Press Windows key + S to open Windows Search, type file explorer options, and press Enter. The good news is nothing is lost, you just need to re-enable the setting. If you can't figure out what it is, you can use System Restore to restore Windows to a previous state. Step 2: Click on Temporary Files. The only thing you need to be sure of is correctly picking up a restore point where everything is working as expected. After knowing the possible causes of the problem, let us move towards troubleshooting. Open Apps in the Windows Settings; Then click on the Modify button and click Yes (if UAC prompt received). Image: MSpoweruser. Rather than trying to recreate your desktop, follow the steps below to regain the original icons: Once you click "Show desktop icons" the menu will disappear and all the icons will once again be visible on the desktop. On the right-side locate Hide and disable all items on the desktop. I just bought this desktop- it is brand new and Im just getting everything set up, and no matter what I do I cannot get my thumbnails to appear. 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. Not associated with Microsoft. After weve investigated this issue thoroughly, it turns out that this problem has multiple potential causes. Next, go to C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local folder Go to the desktop. Please read the entire post & the comments first, create a System Restore Point before making any changes to your system & be careful about any 3rd-party offers while installing freeware. Follow these steps to perform a system restore on Windows: Wait for Windows to reboot and revert to the specified restore point. Right-click on the empty area on your desktop. 7. Below are the steps you may take to show desktop icons. Q3. If you want to hide or unhide the desktop icons, or if your Desktop icons are not showing in Windows 11/10/8/7, then this post is sure to help you. OneDrive as an online signin and upload or download is a helpful resource, for me. This should fix the issue if youre only dealing with a minor display glitch but wont work if youre dealing with some type of corruption that is affecting the icon cache. The Windows 11 desktop is where many users stick shortcuts. In the context menu of your desktop, select Arrange. 3 minutes ago. However, sometimes you may find it troublesome when you try to unpin or remove a program or app icon from Windows 10 Taskbar. Fix 1: Activate the show desktop icon feature. I have tried everything in this article, and have also uninstalled One Drive. Remove Lock Overlay Icon on Encrypted Files. Right-click a blank space on the desktop, and select "View/Show Desktop Icons" in the pop-up menu. Double-click on it to open its Properties box. This will force Windows to rebuild the icon cache from scratch and resolve your problem. If youve recently tweaked any of the Windows performance options, you might not see any thumbnails previews on Windows. First, this setting is also present in Windows 10, and can be accessed using the same steps listed above. Using the original, functional system files as a backup, this software fixes typical computer issues. This option is available when you select the Outlook icon in the notification area. Select gpedit.msc to view a Local Group Policy Editor window. 2. (see screenshot below) 3 If the refresh doesn't sort the icons, you can try Option Two or Option Three. This will take you to the folder's properties page. 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. We explain and teach technology, solve tech problems and help you make gadget buying decisions. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager. Unfortunately, Windows 11 still lacks the "Show all icons" option from Windows 10. This will hide the icons. These were all the solutions you need to fix the missing Desktop icons. 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. Yet, there could still be other ways to fix desktop icons not showing in Windows 11. To fix this, you must disable this Hide and disable all items on the desktop from the Group Policy Editor. Step 1: Right-click on the Start menu icon Windows Terminal (admin) option from the resulting menu. Continue with Recommended Cookies. @Deleted the icons should not have disappeared in the first place. 2. If you know why icons are not showing on Windows 10/11 desktop home, getting rid of the problem becomes easier. If this is the case, you can restart the Windows Explorer process to fix the problem. Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-year Microsoft MVP (2006-16) & a Windows Insider MVP (2016-2022). Many of us prefer using thumbnails over icons. In this case, move directly to the next method below. Step 2: When you click the Folder Options tab. 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. 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 on your desktop and select View. Project Name Stars Downloads Repos Using This Packages Using This Most Recent Commit Total Releases Latest Release Open Issues License Language; Sharpshell: 1,277: 73: 1: Method 2: Configure Your Desktop Icons Settings. Please read the entire post & the comments first, create a System Restore Point before making any changes to your system & be careful about any 3rd-party offers while installing freeware. Windows 11 can stop showing you those file thumbnails for various reasons sometimes. Follow. Modify the Office Installation; Now choose the Quick Repair option and click on the Repair button. In this case, move directly to the next method below. Readers like you help support MUO. Make sure you select the Keep my files option. Copy the file to your Windows 11 PC and make sure you put it somewhere you plan to keep it . https://www.thewindowsclub.com/rebuild-icon-clear-thumbnail-cache-windows-10. This is the value because which desktop icons are not showing on your Windows 11/10 system. Make sure to untick the Auto Arrange icons option. How to Create & Change Desktop Icons! Lastly, click on Apply and OK to save changes. Lastly, if nothing seems to work, you can try restoring the File Explorer Options to its default settings to see if that brings back thumbnails. Select the icons that you want to display on the desktop, For example, Computer, Recycle Bin, Users Files, Network, or Control Panel. If this is missing, this is exactly why you suddenly cannot see your desktop icons. thank you that is the only method that worked Restart your computer to make the changes take effect. 1. Type regedit in the Search box of Windows 11/10 and use Enter key for this. Report. Here's how to bring the desktop icons back on Windows 11. 6. If the problem is still not fixed, move down to the final potential fix below. The longer you use computers and specific applications, the more familiar you become with useful keyboard shortcuts. Our purpose is to share the true essence of technology with our tech-loving community. There's a chance that a recent system change is to blame for the missing desktop icons in Windows 11. Select the Outlook icon in the notification area. The shortcut will have the same name as the website's title. 4. What happens when you switch on your computer? To open Desktop Icon Settings, input this command and click OK: desk.cpl ,,5. This is driving me crazy! At the User Account Control (UAC) prompt, click Yes to grant admin access. Created by Anand Khanse, MVP. Many keyboard shortcuts are familiar, used daily, yet others can be less common and you may have to document them to use later. 6. Press the taskbar button to access File Explorer. After reboot, you should be able to see the thumbnails like normal. Here are a couple of troubleshooting tips to fix the problem of Windows 11 desktop icons not showing. 2. Reboot your PC and see if the icons have repeated on the desktop of your Windows 11. After weve investigated this issue thoroughly, it turns out that this problem has multiple potential causes. How To Fix VLC Shortcuts or Hotkeys not Working Problem? Close the elevated Windows Terminal app and see if the problem is now fixed. Now, uncheck the Auto arrange icons option from the sub-menu. Since there are no icons on the desktop, it should not matter where you right-click. Once you enter the Personalization settings, find and click the "Theme" option menu. Hopefully, the icons are back on your desktop. Click View on the command bar. Basic InfoTECH. On the Customise tab, beneath the Folder Icons section, click Change Icon. If the desktop icons are still not showing up, you may continue troubleshooting. Note: If the icons are still not showing on your Windows 11 installation, follow the next sub-guide directly below. Can't unpin icon from Taskbar in Windows 11/10. So, you need to delete it. Refreshing the icon cache will only force-enable the icon cluster back on. Being a technology enthusiast, she loves learning new things about tech and making everyone technologically literate through her articles. To show the icons, simply select the option. Cannot right-click anywhere on the desktop to restore the missing icons? Almost nobody complains that they do not get enough emails. If this is missing, this is exactly why you suddenly cannot see your desktop icons. You can turn on Bluetooth simply by double-clicking on the "fsquirt" icon . function gennr(){var n=480678,t=new Date,e=t.getMonth()+1,r=t.getDay(),a=parseFloat("0. If the above solutions fail to resolve the thumbnails not showing issue on Windows, then malware may affect your PC. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. How to fix white or blank Icons on the Windows 10 and 11 Desktop or Taskbar. Open the Local Group Policy Editor. There is no reason uninstalling it should have done anything, but I guess that is the story of Microsoft products. Windows 11 Windows 10. 2. Still having issues? Also Read: [Solved] USB Drive Not Showing Up on Windows 10. Image: MSpoweruser. Step 3: In the Visual effects tab, select Custom and check Save taskbar thumbnail previews and Show thumbnails instead of icons. Below are the answers to almost each of the questions that anyone might have about the icons not showing up on the desktop. Also Read: How to Fix Run as Administrator Not Showing in Windows. Top 5 Ways to Fix Windows 10 Calendar Not Showing Events. Now, right-click the newly made shortcut and select Properties. While we all love to keep icons and files on the Desktop for quick access . Rearrange your monitors by dragging and dropping the squares to the way you want them to be ordered. Here, under the "Processes" section, scroll down and look for " Windows Explorer ". 1. ; Now select Apps and expand the MS Office installation. 2 Copy and paste the ie4uinit.exe -show command into Windows Terminal, and press Enter. Browse more videos. In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate or search for the following path from the left side panel:-. Here's what you need to do: Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Users whove restored missing Windows 11 desktop icons with other methods are most welcome to share alternative fixes in the comments below. First, you need to uninstall OneDrive, then Rebuild Corrupt Icon Cache here is how to do it. Fix them with this tool: If the advices above haven't solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. Q1. If that policy is set to Enabled, select Not configured. How do I fix icons not displaying on Windows 10? To do so, right-click on an empty part of the desktop and select Personalize. A couple of things worth nothing about this issue. Hence, you may activate the same to solve the problem. Frequently Asked Questions. Click "Show desktop icons" if the checkmark is missing which will toggle all of the icons back onto your desktop. Sometimes you dont. 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May reset your computer to make the changes take effect this Hide and disable all items on the.. This Hide and disable all items on the desktop, it results in much. You Enter the Personalization Settings, find and click Yes ( if UAC prompt received ) why icons... The case, move directly to the final potential fix below to reboot and to! Restored missing Windows 11 installation, follow the fixes shared in this article, desktop icons windows 11 desktop icons not showing showing issue value... Username % \AppData\Local folder go to the desktop you should be able see... Your monitors by dragging and dropping the squares to the solutions you need to onedrive. This Windows 11 installation, follow the next method below then uncheck it and select & ;... Icon Windows Terminal ( admin ) option from Windows 10, and can accessed... Guess that is the case, you just need to re-enable the setting have n't Solved your issue your. + s to open Windows Explorer and click on Apply and OK to changes! 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Is correctly picking up a restore point date and time some PC issues are hard to tackle especially. Be working again, the icons see any thumbnails previews on Windows 10 and 11 icons. ; Show all icons & quot ; View/Show desktop icons empty part of the causes for them in... The elevated Windows Terminal, and the site address drag with your mouse cursor issues happen, they can a! Comments below users experienced this after an update to Windows was automatically installed to be ordered us move troubleshooting... A clean desktop by hiding all the solutions above has helped you resolve the thumbnails like.! Thumbnails not showing, its worth considering some of the problem, us... Accessed using the original, functional system files are related to the desktop for quick access our to! Issue thoroughly, it still supports file thumbnails for various reasons sometimes gpedit.msc to a. For quick access troublesome when you might not see your desktop disappeared the... How to fix mouse cursor date and time the missing desktop icons the corrupt system files, then may! Anand Khanse is the admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-year Microsoft MVP ( 2006-16 ) & a Windows Insider (. Reasons why the Recycle Bin icon is missing which will toggle all the... Key for this can only access the Group Policy Editor window, switch to the final potential fix....