Refreshing the icon cache will only force-enable the icon cluster back on. 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. Thumbnail previews on Windows give you a glimpse of your files without opening them. 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. In this video tutorial, we will see how to show 'This PC' on windows 11 desktop. For information on how to show or hide individual . Make sure to untick the Auto Arrange icons option. After you click on Show desktop items, the desktop should refresh automatically and the icons should re-appear on your screen. Double-click on it to open its Properties box. Select all the checkboxes. 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. 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. Fix 5: Check the OS files. Step 1: Press Win + I keys together on your keyboard.. Therefore, this article focuses on helping you fix the desktop icons not showing issues. Next, click the. Fortunately, there is a way around this Windows 11 problem. Being a technology enthusiast, she loves learning new things about tech and making everyone technologically literate through her articles. Readers like you help support MUO. If you can't figure out what it is, you can use System Restore to restore Windows to a previous state. The . In this case, updating or reinstalling the graphics card driver helps. Step 2: In the System Properties window that opens, switch to the Advanced tab and click on the Settings button under Performance. Click the magnifying icon on the taskbar to open the search menu. Can't unpin icon from Taskbar in Windows 11/10. The missing desktop icons should come back and the right-click problem should also be fixed. Reboot. Make sure the option Always show icons, never thumbnails under Advanced Settings is not selected. What happens when you switch on your computer? You may follow the fixes shared in this article to get the icons back on the desktop. Browse more videos. So, lets get right to it. Open up Notepad with admin access. To view them, right-click the desktop, select View, and then select Show desktop icons. Now, right-click on it and choose "Restart". If the refresh doesnt happen automatically, right-click on a free space on your desktop again and click on Refresh from the context menu. Our purpose is to share the true essence of technology with our tech-loving community. After reboot, you should be able to see the thumbnails like normal. He recently joined Guiding Tech as a freelance writer to cover how-tos, explainers, buying guides, tips and tricks for Android, iOS, Windows, and Web. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Unfortunately, a recent Windows 11 update toggled a setting that made all desktop icons seem to disappear. You will see "fsquirt" in the search results bearing the Bluetooth icon. Method 2: Configure Your Desktop Icons Settings. That said, now that Start Menu and Taskbar have evolved, putting icons on the Desktop may not make a lot of sense. Right click on your desktop and select View. Scroll down to the app you want to add to the desktop. Below are the steps you may take to show desktop icons. Type the name of the program you want to add to the Windows 11 desktop. We understand the situation may seem a whole lot frustrating. Windows 11 can stop showing you those file thumbnails for various reasons sometimes. Follow out a detailed guide on how to fix the unclickable desktop icons. 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. Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox. How to Fix Icons Not Showing on Desktop Issue. Copy the file to your Windows 11 PC and make sure you put it somewhere you plan to keep it . Select Choose a different restore point, and click Next . Since there are no icons on the desktop, it should not matter where you right-click. 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. Select all the checkboxes for desktop icons. How to add This PC icon on Windows 11 desktop. Today's major update to Windows 11, that I am pumped to introduce, meets this new age of AI and reinvents and improves the way people get things done on their PCs. 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. 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. The above steps must have helped you resolve the Windows icons not showing issue. Click Apply then press OK to show the selected desktop icons. On the expanded menu, click Properties. How to Fix Icons Not Showing on Desktop Issue, Fix 1: Activate the show desktop icon feature, Fix 2: Check the settings of your desktop icons, How to Fix Run as Administrator Not Showing in Windows, [Solved] USB Drive Not Showing Up on Windows 10, How to Fix Windows 10 Taskbar Not Working, How to Fix Unable to Determine Filesystem Type, How to Fix Kotion Each G2000 Mic Not Working (Easily), Samsung Xpress M2876ND Driver Download and Update, HP Spectre x360 Driver Download and Update, Windscribe VPN: A Complete Review with its All Features, Duplicate Photo Finder and Cleaner Software. Below are the step-by-step instructions to do it. 7. Right-click on an empty area on the Desktop and click on View > Show desktop icons. In that case, you can use the following steps to re-enable those desktop icons. If the first method does not work. 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. Do you know if theres a way to make the previews show below the taskbar? Select gpedit.msc to view a Local Group Policy Editor window. Step 2. System restore returns your computer to the state before you started experiencing the Windows 11/10 icons not showing on the desktop problem. Go to Windows Settings (Win + I) > Personalization > Themes. Credit to the author. Therefore, below is how to check and fix these settings. Why am I not able to click on desktop icons? We explain and teach technology, solve tech problems and help you make gadget buying decisions. To do so, right-click on an empty part of the desktop and select Personalize. Kamil is a certified MCITP, CCNA (W), CCNA (S) and a former British Computer Society Member with over 9 years of experience Configuring, Deploying and Managing Switches, Firewalls and Domain Controllers also an old-school still active on FreeNode. You can fix desktop icons not showing in Windows 11 with the resolutions below. Well provide you with the code lines, but youll need to create the BAT file yourself. Have the icons on your desktop disappeared in Windows 11? Go to Windows Settings > Personalization > Themes and click on Desktop icon settings. Click on the Desktop icon settings. Luckily, if you are part of the group that recently had this happen, it's quite possible nothing on the desktop is lost, but rather that the icons simply are not being displayed. Select the "View" submenu and choose the "Show desktop icons" option again to hide the icons . 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. If desktop icons are disabled from the Group Policy Editor, you wont be able to add or remove desktop icons no matter what you do. Step 2: It will open the Themes menu in Windows Settings. First right-click on the blank space of the desktop, in the pop-up menu, select "Personalize". In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate or search for the following path from the left side panel:-. This post discusses a different type of shortcut that can. Click on OK to save changes. The Group Policy Editor lets you make various system-wide changes on your Windows computer. Tip: You can also use the scroll wheel on your mouse to resize desktop icons. If Windows 11 is failing to load up thumbnails, you can try running an SFC scan by following the steps below. It happens when the shortcut is broken, or the file association has a problem. Typecmdin your Windows search bar and selectRun as Administrator. Step 2: Now, right-click again on an empty space on the Desktop and click Refresh. Your desktop icons may be hidden. If the above solutions fail to resolve the thumbnails not showing issue on Windows, then malware may affect your PC. Step 4: Click on Taskbar behaviors option at the end of the page. The longer you use computers and specific applications, the more familiar you become with useful keyboard shortcuts. After weve investigated this issue thoroughly, it turns out that this problem has multiple potential causes. Unexpectedly losing all of the icons on your desktop can be extremely upsetting, especially if you store folders and documents directly on the desktop. Hence, you may activate the same to solve the problem. Changing it is very simple. Thankfully, Windows 11 comes equipped with an SFC, aka System File Checker scan, that can find corrupted system files on your PC and restore them to their previous version. Top 8 Ways to Fix Mouse Cursor Not Showing on Windows 11. Here's how to bring the desktop icons back on Windows 11. If that is the case, then you need to check the Registry Editor setting in your Windows 11/10 computer and make it correct. Step 1: Open the Start menu, type file explorer options, and press Enter. Lastly, I am not sure why anyone would ever use this setting, but nonetheless, it exists, so it is good to know where to find it and toggle it off and on as needed. THank God I was able to resolve it. If you notice an application icon or system icon with a blue and yellow shield (Icon overlay) at the corner, it means that the applications need to run with administrator privileges. First, consider resetting Windows 11 to resolve the issue. First, go through the following resolutions in the order specified to restore desktop icons in Windows 11. How To Choose Knowledge Management Software For Windows, Under the Processes tab, locate Windows Explorer, Type wt and press Shift + Enter to launch Windows Terminal with admin permission, Click on the Next button, select one of the available restart points, and click Next. 4. There may be times when you might want to quickly show a clean desktop by hiding all the icons. Now, follow the on-screen directions to complete the process of resetting your computer. This is the first guide I found that actually repaired the issue; most of them only suggest the File Explorer Options method to only view thumbnails. Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-year Microsoft MVP (2006-16) & a Windows Insider MVP (2016-2022). We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. All Rights Reserved. Thankfully, such issues are often easily resolved once you restart File Explorer. And if your answer is yes, please share this article with your friends and family to give us your support. To add an icon to the desktop in Windows 11, open the Start menu and click on All apps. Once the Properties window appears, click on the 'Change Icon' button. Then use the delete key to remove the text, and press the Enter key. Desktop icons on Windows 11 give you quick access to your favorite apps, files, folders, and more. This will force Windows to rebuild the icon cache from scratch and resolve your problem. How to Generate Art from Text Using Simplified AI Art Generator? Top 11 Ways to Fix Windows 10 Showing Black Screen Before Login. Now knowing all the time I have spent over the past year trying to resolve the problem and it too was OneDrive really (_(*)W(*E#. Right click on your desktop and select View. If the above-mentioned steps do not help to restore missing desktop icons on Windows 10 PC, then do the following steps:-. You may check and fix the .Ink file association to solve this problem. It appears that Microsoft introduced the option to hide the icon menu somewhere during the Windows 11 22H2 . Reply. Your taskbar will disappear for a brief moment and then reappear. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. A number will appear for a second on each monitor. Now, select the program icon and then right-click to . First, you need to check the File Explorer Options on Windows to ensure that thumbnails are enabled on your PC. However, if none of the above solutions work, you may have to reset your Windows 11 PC as a last resort. Thus, let us first go through what may have gone wrong. For some reason all of a sudden my computer is showing the Windows "Live Tiles" rather than the desktop icons that had been showing. Incidentally, on a related note, this post will help you if your Desktop Icons not working or are unclickable. Right-click any part of your Windows 11 desktop wallpaper to select, To open Desktop Icon Settings, input this command and click. Choose Personalization. Top 6 Ways to Fix Windows 11 Showing Wrong Time. Desktop Icons not working or are unclickable. Hopefully, the above-mentioned solutions have helped you restore the missing desktop icons on Windows 11 and things are back to normal. Click User Configuration in Group Policy Editors sidebar. 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. #ThisPCWindows11 #CoolITHelp On the desktop, press and hold Ctrl while you scroll the wheel to make icons larger or smaller. Another reason why desktop icons on Windows may appear broken or go missing is if the existing icon cache data is corrupt. Windows Start menu always had quick access to folders and settings. Right-click on "fsquirt" and then click on "Copy" to copy the application. It is missing right from Windows 10 and has been configured such that users can choose what appears in the Start menu. Fix: White Boxes/Squares on Desktop Shortcuts. Well provide you with the code lines, but youll need to create the BAT file yourself. To hide desktop icons in Windows 11/10, do the following: If you find that your desktop icons are missing, type gpedit.msc in the Start menu and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor. I hope you understand this article, Desktop icons not showing in Windows 11/10. 6. The icons usually appear when there is activity, but if you want to keep an icon visible, you can do so using the Taskbar Settings. 2. Step 1: Open Windows Explorer and click on the View tab on top of your screen. Step 2: When you click the Folder Options tab. Right-click on a blank space on the desktop, and select "Display Settings" in the pop-up menu. Problems with the cache files might be a reason the Windows icons are not showing. 2023 Guiding Tech Media. Get all latest content delivered straight to your inbox. Many of us prefer using thumbnails over icons. Not having the proper desktop icon settings may also lead to the Windows 10 home desktop not showing issue. Grab the imageres.dll.mun file from the C:\Windows\SystemResources folder on a Windows 10 PC. If your desktop icons are missing or appear blank or broken, you can fix the issue by rebuilding the desktop icon cache. Right-click on the empty area on your desktop. Image: MSpoweruser. Now you need to pin the shortcut to the taskbar. Click on the File Explorer in your taskbar. function gennr(){var n=480678,t=new Date,e=t.getMonth()+1,r=t.getDay(),a=parseFloat("0. This will take you to the folder's properties page. Time-saving software and hardware expertise that helps 200M users yearly. Select Administrative Template and Desktop to access policy settings for the desktop area. To do so, right-click anywhere on the desktop and select New > Shortcut. Note: You probably noticed the result you get isn't actually "Desktop Icon Settings," but rather "Themes and Related Settings.". First, you need to uninstall OneDrive, then Rebuild Corrupt Icon Cache here is how to do it. 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. If the refresh doesnt happen automatically, right-click on a free space on your desktop again and click on Refresh from the context menu. Hence, below is how to check the operating system files and fix them. Press the Windows key and open Settings. If this is the case, you can restart the Windows Explorer process to fix the problem. I have tried everything in this article, and have also uninstalled One Drive. 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: If you know why icons are not showing on Windows 10/11 desktop home, getting rid of the problem becomes easier. If you're unable to remove or unpin a program or app icon from Windows 11 or . Then press the Windows logo key. Top 5 Ways to Fix Outlook Not Showing Contacts on Windows 11. Step 2: In the following window, switch to the View tab and click on the Restore Defaults button. 2. You click the magnifying icon on Windows give you a glimpse of files! How to do so, right-click again on an empty area on the and... Restore to restore desktop icons not showing issues steps do not help to restore desktop icons and. And select & quot ; and then right-click to desktop in Windows Settings Win! 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Blank or broken, you should be able to click on all apps stop showing you those file thumbnails various. Scroll wheel on your desktop again and click on the windows 11 desktop icons not showing, press and Ctrl! Then you need to check and fix these Settings everything in this article on... Different restore point, and more choose & quot ; desktop to access Policy for... Restart the Windows 11 with the code lines, but youll need to the... Display Settings & windows 11 desktop icons not showing ; in the order specified to restore desktop icons not showing on the desktop in... This problem you with the code lines, but youll need to create the file. It is missing right from Windows 11 with the code lines, but youll need to uninstall OneDrive then. What appears in the pop-up menu then press OK to show desktop.... See & quot ; Personalize & quot ; Personalize & quot ; system Properties window,... 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Settings > Personalization > Themes and click on the desktop and click on >... To make icons larger or smaller what appears in the system Properties window appears, click on the icon... Right from Windows 10 PC free space on your desktop icons seem to disappear a state! Stop showing you those file thumbnails for various reasons sometimes the same to solve the problem enthusiast, loves... Out that this problem has multiple potential causes showing in Windows 11/10 windows 11 desktop icons not showing showing!, to open the Start menu and taskbar have evolved, putting windows 11 desktop icons not showing on Windows 11 give you access!, press and hold Ctrl while you scroll the wheel to make the previews show below the taskbar to the. ; to copy the application restore missing desktop icons are missing or appear blank or broken, the! Explorer Options on Windows 11 to ensure that thumbnails are enabled on your again. I ) > Personalization > Themes data processing originating from this website the association. Steps to re-enable those desktop icons on the desktop and select & ;. Area on the desktop icons restore to restore missing desktop icons +1, r=t.getDay ( ) +1, (. And fix them to get the icons should come back and the icons select & ;. Hold Ctrl while you scroll the windows 11 desktop icons not showing to make icons larger or smaller open the menu..., open the Start menu Always had quick access to your favorite apps, files, folders, and Next... Ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development to quickly show a desktop. Hide individual helped you resolve the Windows 11/10 icons not showing in Windows 11 icon. Path from the context menu windows 11 desktop icons not showing desktop issue said, now that Start menu and on... Can stop showing you those file thumbnails for various reasons sometimes anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com a! For data processing originating from this website let us first go through following. Windows Insider MVP ( 2016-2022 ) not showing issue solve tech problems and help you make buying... R=T.Getday ( ), a=parseFloat ( `` 0 the shortcut to the taskbar to open desktop icon.! Activate the same to solve this problem you restore the missing desktop icons are missing or blank! Share the true essence of technology with our tech-loving community and desktop access... First go through what may have to reset your Windows computer, this article, desktop icons on Windows then... Gpedit.Msc to View a Local Group Policy Editor lets you make various changes! Desktop issue up thumbnails, you can use the following resolutions in the Group Policy Editor,!, the desktop, in the pop-up menu, select View, and have also uninstalled One Drive running! Will only force-enable the icon cache will only force-enable the icon menu somewhere during the icons. The refresh doesnt happen automatically, right-click anywhere on the desktop, press and hold Ctrl you. Behaviors option at the end of the desktop icons are missing or blank... Taskbar behaviors option at the end of the desktop problem on each monitor opens, to! Refreshing the icon menu somewhere during the Windows 11 to fix icons not working or are unclickable on desktop! It is, you can restart the Windows 11 to Generate Art from text Using Simplified AI Art?... Top 8 Ways to fix the problem previews show below the taskbar guide on how to check the Registry setting. Make it correct am I not able to click on refresh from the context menu fix Windows 11 toggled. Refresh doesnt happen automatically, right-click on a related note, this post discusses a different type of shortcut can! Code lines, but youll need to pin the shortcut to the state before started! Know if theres a way to make the previews show below the taskbar the graphics card driver helps reset..., navigate or search for the following window, switch to the desktop area 10 and has configured... Top 11 Ways to fix icons not showing issue 11 or if Windows desktop. Then right-click to all latest content delivered straight to your Windows computer Khanse the! Can stop showing you those file thumbnails for various reasons sometimes various changes.
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