Settings → PersonalizationIf your desktop looks empty, you can show desktop icons in Windows 11 with a single option in the desktop right-click menu. Icons such as This PC and the Recycle Bin are controlled separately in Settings, so this article covers both.
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop, open the submenu that controls how icons are viewed, and select the option that shows desktop icons so it has a check mark.
- To bring back This PC, Recycle Bin, Network or your user folder, open Settings, go to Personalization, then open the themes page and its desktop icon settings.
- Hiding desktop icons does not delete anything, and you can still reach the files by opening your Desktop folder in a folder window.
How to show desktop icons in Windows 11
When all icons disappear at once, they are usually hidden rather than deleted. The files are still in your Desktop folder, and one menu option brings them back.
1. Go to the desktop
Close or minimize the windows that cover the desktop. You can also press Windows + D to jump to the desktop. Press the same keys again to return to your open windows.
2. Right-click an empty area
Right-click an empty spot on the desktop, away from any icon or window. A context menu appears with options for viewing, sorting and refreshing the desktop, and for creating new items.
3. Turn on the option to show desktop icons
Open the submenu that controls how icons are viewed. It is the one that also lists the icon sizes. Look for the option that shows desktop icons. If it has no check mark, select it.
The icons appear immediately, and you do not need to restart the PC.
4. Check the result
Your files, folders and shortcuts should be back where they were. If you want to hide them again, for example before sharing your screen, repeat the same steps and clear the check mark. This hides the icons but does not delete anything.
Show This PC, Recycle Bin, Network and your user folder
If the desktop is not hidden but a system icon such as the Recycle Bin or This PC is missing, it was probably never switched on or was removed in the desktop icon settings. These four icons are managed separately from ordinary shortcuts.
- Press Windows + I to launch Settings.
- In the left navigation pane, select Personalization.
- Open the themes page and select the desktop icon settings link.
- In the window that opens, tick the icons you want on the desktop: This PC, Recycle Bin, Network or your user folder. Clear the ones you do not want, then confirm your choice.
The same window has an option that lets themes change the look of these icons. It is on by default. If you picked custom icons and want to keep them, turn that option off before you switch themes. Microsoft describes these settings in its desktop icon guide.
Add shortcuts so the desktop is not empty
A new desktop may show only the Recycle Bin, and that is normal. To put your own items there, you have a few options:
- Right-click a file or folder, find the option to send it to the desktop as a shortcut, and select it. On some Windows 11 setups you may first need to expand the full context menu.
- Drag an app from the list of all installed apps in the Start menu onto the desktop.
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop, choose the option to create a new shortcut, and follow the prompts.
If desktop icons are still missing or look wrong
- Icons too small or too large. Hold Ctrl and scroll the mouse wheel on the desktop to resize them. The icon-size options in the same view submenu give you fixed sizes.
- Wallpaper changed but icons did not. The Background page only changes what is behind the icons, such as the picture, slideshow or fit. It does not show or hide them.
- Need a file while icons are hidden. Open a folder window and go to your Desktop folder in the left pane. Everything on the desktop is listed there.
- Only some icons are missing. Check the desktop icon settings described above. Ordinary shortcuts you deleted must be created again.
Frequently asked questions
How do I show desktop icons windows 11 when they have disappeared?
Right-click an empty area of the desktop, open the view submenu and select the option that shows desktop icons so it is checked. The icons return immediately without a restart.
How do I get the Recycle Bin or This PC icon back on the desktop?
Open Settings, go to Personalization, open the themes page, select the desktop icon settings link, tick the icons you want and confirm your choice.
Does hiding desktop icons delete my files?
No. Hiding desktop icons only removes them from view, and the files stay in your Desktop folder. You can show them again with the same right-click menu option at any time.
How can I make desktop icons bigger or smaller in Windows 11?
Hold Ctrl and scroll the mouse wheel while the desktop is selected. You can also right-click an empty area, open the view submenu and pick one of the fixed icon sizes.
Why did my desktop icons change when I switched themes?
Themes are allowed to change the system icons, such as This PC and the Recycle Bin, by default. Turn off the option that lets themes change desktop icons in the desktop icon settings to keep yours.
Official Microsoft documentation
