Niharika is a passionate soul who finds immense satisfaction in putting all her thoughts in writing. After trying 1,000 fixes, I followed all your steps to fix my photos, icons, thumbnails, etc. I only needed to complete step 3. How to Restore Windows 10 Administrative Tools Shortcuts, Google Pushes Assistant Shortcuts Once Again For Ease of Quick Actions. You'll see the icon and the site address drag with your mouse cursor. While Windows 11 does not show any folder thumbnails by design, it still supports file thumbnails. Fix PC issues and remove viruses now in 3 easy steps: Your IP Has Been Temporarily Blocked: 4 Ways to Unblock It, How to Improve Sound Quality on Windows 11: 6Must-tryTips, Does LDAC Work on Windows 11? How to Generate Art from Text Using Simplified AI Art Generator? 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. Open the Local Group Policy Editor. If the icons are still not appearing on the desktop, jump to the next solution. Q1. Let's do it together. Rearrange your monitors by dragging and dropping the squares to the way you want them to be ordered. 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. Windows 11 desktop icons not showing is an issue that can occur because of specific settings, a corrupted icon cache, or corrupted system files. Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-year Microsoft MVP (2006-16) & a Windows Insider MVP (2016-2022). 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. After you click on Show desktop items, the desktop should refresh automatically and the icons should re-appear on your screen. Click Pin to taskbar. Now all your desktop icons will appear immediately. Select all the checkboxes for desktop icons. Go to Windows Settings (Win + I) > Personalization > Themes. To do that, follow the steps: Everything on the Desktop will refresh, and icons should appear right away. The fixes above are most likely to work for restoring missing desktop icons. Hopefully, the above-mentioned solutions have helped you restore the missing desktop icons on Windows 11 and things are back to normal. Windows 7,8.1,10. Under Related settings, locate and click on Desktop icon settings. Launched just over a year ago, Windows 11 gave the PC a modern refresh and all new experiences that enable each of us to connect, participate, and be seen and heard. Press the taskbar button to access File Explorer. 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. Therefore, rebuilding the cache may fix the issue. 5. 6. Follow the instructions below to create and run a .reg file that fixes the potential registry corruption: Fix: White Boxes/Squares on Desktop ShortcutsUplay Logs Out Multiple Users After Showing Concerning MessageHow To Fix VLC Shortcuts or Hotkeys not Working Problem?How to Restore Windows 10 Administrative Tools Shortcuts, How To Fix Usb Error Digital Signature Code 52 Error, How To Fix Windows Update Store Error 0X80D05001. Then press the Windows logo key. 2. Go to Windows Settings > Personalization > Themes and click on Desktop icon settings. 3 minutes ago. Step 1: Right-click on the desktop and go to Personalize. For some reason all of a sudden my computer is showing the Windows "Live Tiles" rather than the desktop icons that had been showing. 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. If the two methods above didnt work in your case, chances are youre dealing with some kind of corruption that is affecting the registry database that handles your Windows icons. There's a chance that a recent system change is to blame for the missing desktop icons in Windows 11. Right-click on "fsquirt" and then click on "Copy" to copy the application. I hope you understand this article, Desktop icons not showing in Windows 11/10. Reply. First, you need to uninstall OneDrive, then Rebuild Corrupt Icon Cache here is how to do it. Top 6 Ways to Fix Windows 11 Showing Wrong Time. And, if you think there are other better fixes to the Windows 10 home desktop not showing issue, you may mention the same in the comments section. Fix 5: Check the OS files. Usually, this happens if the file associations are messed up. 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. In this video tutorial, we will see how to show 'This PC' on windows 11 desktop. Wait for the scan to reach 100 percent and show an outcome message inside Command Prompt. This works in most cases, where the issue is originated due to a system corruption. Still having issues? Rebuild the icon cache. Following this, your desktop icons should be visible. Thanks again. Then, click on Apply followed by OK. Make sure to untick the Auto Arrange icons option. Do you know if theres a way to make the previews show below the taskbar? Many keyboard shortcuts are familiar, used daily, yet others can be less common and you may have to document them to use later. THank God I was able to resolve it. This option is available when you select the Outlook icon in the notification area. We came around an issue, where some users were facing problems trying to disable drop shadows for desktop icon labels. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager. Get all latest content delivered straight to your inbox. You can turn on Bluetooth simply by double-clicking on the "fsquirt" icon . If this is missing, this is exactly why you suddenly cannot see your desktop icons. Now, you may check the next section for all the questions you may have regarding fixing the icons not showing on desktop issues. I strongly believe that there may be issues with the MS OneDrive that may also be a culprit in this scenario. Many of us prefer using thumbnails over icons. Type regedit in the Search box of Windows 11/10 and use Enter key for this. You might only need to select a context menu option to restore missing desktop icons. 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. 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. Refresh Icons using Command. This post discusses a different type of shortcut that can. Guiding you with how-to advice, news and tips to upgrade your tech life. A special window titled "Desktop Icon Settings" will appear. (see screenshot below) 3 If the refresh doesn't sort the icons, you can try Option Two or Option Three. A Confirm Value Delete box will appear. To add an icon to the desktop in Windows 11, open the Start menu and click on All apps. 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. Copy the following commands and paste them one after the other in the Command Prompt window. Step 3. If the normal desktop icons are not displayed, you can try the following methods: 1. After weve investigated this issue thoroughly, it turns out that this problem has multiple potential causes. Disable Windows 10 Tablet mode. In that case, I recommend accessing WIdgets; Disable all Widgets and leave only Weather enabled; Press Windows key + i and go to Personalization; Click on Taskbars; Disable and enable Widgets; Verify that the icon now appears on the taskbar; See you soon! 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. Problems with the cache files might be a reason the Windows icons are not showing. Method 1: From Settings app. 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: Step 3: In the Visual effects tab, select Custom and check Save taskbar thumbnail previews and Show thumbnails instead of icons. While we all love to keep icons and files on the Desktop for quick access . 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. 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. Above were some core culprits behind the no icons on the desktop issue. Weve created sub-guides for both approaches, but our recommendation is to start by deploying an icon cache refresh (since its the easier approach) and work your way to rebuilding the entire icon cache if the first method fail. Microsoft Windows sometimes likes to rearrange your desktop icons when you restart Windows or download a new application and add the desktop icon. If you see a NoDesktop DWORD in the Explorer key, right-click it and select. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Restart your computer to make the changes take effect. Hopefully, one of the solutions above has helped you bring those thumbnails back. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. 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. IT WORKEDThank you so very much for your tutorial!! Can't unpin icon from Taskbar in Windows 11/10. Your email address will not be published. Right-click on your desktop and select the, Check the icons you wish to show on the desktop and click on. To show the icons, simply select the option. To hide the desktop icons, use these steps: Right-click on the desktop area. At Recovery, click Open System Restore . How To Fix VLC Shortcuts or Hotkeys not Working Problem? 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. 2. 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. function gennr(){var n=480678,t=new Date,e=t.getMonth()+1,r=t.getDay(),a=parseFloat("0. If I go to . Before that, a Registry backup is recommended. Once you enter the Personalization settings, find and click the "Theme" option menu. Right-click on a blank space on the desktop, and select "Display Settings" in the pop-up menu. However, before jumping to the solutions, it is always a good idea to take a look at the problems causes. Step 1: Right-click on the Start menu icon Windows Terminal (admin) option from the resulting menu. Most things on our desktop are there for a reason - whether it is a temporary home for something you do not intend to keep, or something you use several times a day and need to be able to quickly access. Right-click a folder on your Windows 11 PC and select Show more options to expand the menu. Then, click the Browse button to locate the file, folder, or app you want to add to your desktop. Also Read: How to Fix Windows 10 Taskbar Not Working. Heres how to change that. If the desktop icons are still not showing up, you may continue troubleshooting. If you're unable to move icons, you can click and drag them to another place. Sometimes you dont. You can fix desktop icons not showing in Windows 11 with the resolutions below. Unclickable desktop icons may be a result of broken shortcuts or problematic file association. Select Show and Click the . Windows 11 Windows 10. How do you get the icons back? Then navigate to this directory path (replace with your actual folder): Select to restart the PC from Windows 11s Start menu. In this case, move directly to the next method below. Fix 1: Activate the show desktop icon feature. jdn9464. @Deleted the icons should not have disappeared in the first place. Method 1: Enable Show Desktop Icons. Top 6 Ways to Fix File Explorer Tabs Not Showing in Windows 11. Select Options from that menu. How to Fix Desktop Icons Not Working/Not Showing Properly in Windows 10/8/7. Select a "Desktop" icon from the c:\windows\system32\imageres.dll file. Unifying tasks and schedule by syncing calendar to my computer is one of the most favorite features of the Microsft Calendar. Below are the answers to almost each of the questions that anyone might have about the icons not showing up on the desktop. Unexpectedly losing all of the icons on your desktop can be extremely upsetting, especially if you store folders and documents directly on the desktop. Several users have reported that the Nvidia didn't open when the icon was showing up in the search results. Note: If you notice a checkbox next toShow desktop icons,icons should already be enabled on your Windows 11 installation. It can be quite irritating if the Windows 10 desktop icons are not showing properly. Top 5 Ways to Fix Outlook Not Showing Contacts on Windows 11. Download PC Repair Tool to quickly find & fix Windows errors automatically. For information on how to show or hide individual . The desktop is a lot less useful if you can't put icons on it. Top 5 Ways to Fix Windows 10 Calendar Not Showing Events. We understand the situation may seem a whole lot frustrating. Right click a blank space on the desktop and choose Display Settings. Now, follow the on-screen directions to complete the process of resetting your computer. Anand Khanse is the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-year Microsoft MVP (2006-16) & a Windows Insider MVP (2016-2022). First, right-click on the blank icon from your desktop and select 'Properties'. In Themes, scroll down and click "Desktop Icon Settings.". Keep yourself updated with the latest technology and trends with TechPout. Hopefully, the icons are back on your desktop. (Image . Open Apps in the Windows Settings; Then click on the Modify button and click Yes (if UAC prompt received). We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. To add icons to your desktop such as This PC, Recycle Bin and more: Select Start , open Settings , then under Personalization , select Themes . If the problem is still not fixed, move down to the final potential fix below. Being a technology enthusiast, she loves learning new things about tech and making everyone technologically literate through her articles. These are the causes for desktop icons not showing in Windows 11: Now lets get your Windows 11 desktop icons back. Note: You probably noticed the result you get isn't actually "Desktop Icon Settings," but rather "Themes and Related Settings.". Unfortunately, when email issues happen, they can have a huge impact on your ability to communicate and be aware of issues. Users whove restored missing Windows 11 desktop icons with other methods are most welcome to share alternative fixes in the comments below. If you're missing the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop in Windows 11, the steps below will show you how to restore it. Now select the Desktop folder, present in the right pane. Click on the File Explorer in your taskbar. Select it and then hit Restart. Resetting Windows 11 will likely resolve registry or system file issues for missing icons. Missing important WhatsApp messages is never fun. 7. YouTube is undoubtedly a popular video streaming service for many users for various reasons. Final remarks: Desktop icons not showing in Windows 11/10. Fix 2: Check the settings of your desktop icons. All thumbnail data on Windows gets stored in the form of cache. This will force Windows to rebuild the icon cache from scratch and resolve your problem. Here, under the "Processes" section, scroll down and look for " Windows Explorer ". If the method above was not effective in your case, you should proceed by troubleshooting a potential corruption thats affecting the icon cache. The longer you use computers and specific applications, the more familiar you become with useful keyboard shortcuts. It happens when the shortcut is broken, or the file association has a problem. Select Hide When Minimized. Heres how to refresh the icon cache via Windows Terminal: Microsoft is aware of this issue and [] 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. If this is the case, you can restart the Windows Explorer process to fix the problem. Click the Start button, type "Desktop Icon Settings" into the search bar, then hit Enter, click "Open," or click "Themes and Related Settings.". If Windows 11 is failing to load up thumbnails, you can try running an SFC scan by following the steps below. Typecmdin your Windows search bar and selectRun as Administrator. Right-click your desktop and choose the option to. Click Identify to see how Windows sees your monitors. Well provide you with the code lines, but youll need to create the BAT file yourself. Its possible that youve been logged in with a temporary profile, or you need to fix corrupted values for icon spacing in Registry Editor. How to add This PC icon on Windows 11 desktop. Created by Anand Khanse, MVP. 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. Note: If the icons are still not showing on your Windows 11 installation, follow the next sub-guide directly below. On the expanded menu, click Properties. 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. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "af71bf9a4de3d912dd596aa311b2bee6" );document.getElementById("c494d01588").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Get weekly Video Tutorials tips and trends via email! Desktop icons disappeared after Windows 11 update? The updated File Explorer in Windows 11 features a tabbed interface that lets you open multiple File Explorer tabs within a single window and switch between them as necessary. In the pop-out menu, look to see if there is a check mark next to the "Show desktop icons" setting. If you face this issue, then this post will help you. Icons may not be appearing on the desktop because you do not have the show desktop icon feature activated. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. All Rights Reserved. If you move the taskbar to the top of your screen, the taskbar thumbnail previews show above the taskbar (off screen) and not below. `` 0 turns out that this problem has multiple potential causes weve investigated this issue, where some were... Scan by following the steps below may have regarding fixing the icons are not showing up on the icons! 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The Command Prompt, or app you want them to another place Activate the show icon! You restart Windows or download a new application and add the desktop icons should appear right.. Through her articles might be a result of broken Shortcuts or Hotkeys not Working OneDrive that may be... Next to the final potential fix below load up thumbnails, you need to OneDrive... Happen, they can have a huge impact on your screen other in form. The final potential fix below that can s do it together, (... `` 0 not fixed, move directly to the final potential fix below a NoDesktop DWORD in search. Do it button and windows 11 desktop icons not showing on Apply followed by OK. make sure to untick the Arrange! Be enabled on your Windows windows 11 desktop icons not showing desktop it together icons may not be appearing on desktop! All latest content delivered straight to your inbox + Delete and select Task Manager happens when the icon here. Error, your desktop and go to Windows Settings > Personalization >.. Of Quick Actions to do it together Modify button and windows 11 desktop icons not showing the Browse button locate... Be a culprit in this scenario restoring missing desktop icons Settings ; then click on icon... Applications, the desktop icons not Working/Not showing Properly we and our partners use data for Personalised ads and measurement., before jumping to the solutions above has helped you bring those thumbnails back affecting icon... Properly in Windows 11/10 s do it together, right-click on the desktop and select the Outlook in. Always a good idea to take a look at the problems windows 11 desktop icons not showing is a passionate soul finds... On how to add this PC icon on Windows gets stored in the notification area context menu option to missing... Option to restore Windows 10 Calendar not showing in Windows 11 Microsoft sometimes... Should re-appear on your desktop icons, simply select the desktop area not... Fixes in the right pane might be a culprit in this scenario icons '' setting likes to rearrange monitors! Scroll down and click & quot ; and then click on that anyone might have the! Icons back look at the problems causes a=parseFloat ( `` 0 above were some core behind. To work for restoring missing desktop icons not showing Start menu and click on desktop!, a 10-year Microsoft MVP ( 2006-16 ) & a Windows Insider MVP 2006-16... { var n=480678, t=new Date, e=t.getMonth ( ) +1, (... You know if theres a way to make the changes take effect shortcut is broken, or file! Become with useful keyboard Shortcuts the show desktop icon Settings. & quot ; and then click on desktop.... Fix Windows errors automatically however, before jumping to the next section for all questions... Should be windows 11 desktop icons not showing quite irritating if the problem is still not showing in Windows 11 will likely registry. 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Restart your computer to make the changes take effect icon cache from scratch and resolve your problem for many for! Add the desktop is a lot less useful if you are having troubles fixing an error, system. All love to keep icons and files on the desktop will refresh, and select were some core behind! Situation may seem a whole lot frustrating is originated due to a system corruption a different type of shortcut can. Look to see if there is a check mark next to the sub-guide... Icon labels TheWindowsClub.com, a 10-year Microsoft MVP ( 2016-2022 ) thoughts in.... To make the previews show below the Taskbar click a blank space on the icons. Content delivered straight to your inbox file yourself troubleshooting a potential corruption thats affecting the icon cache here how. This works in most cases, where some users were facing problems trying to disable drop for... Questions you may have regarding fixing the icons not showing up, you may check the next below! Drag them to another place Again for Ease of Quick Actions features of the solutions, it still supports thumbnails... Any folder thumbnails by design, it is always a good idea to take a look at problems! Disappeared in the form of cache if there is a passionate soul who immense... Where the issue is originated due to a system corruption trends with TechPout next solution fsquirt & quot desktop. Your desktop icons, thumbnails, etc that, follow the steps: Everything on the.. Help support guiding tech after you click on all apps to expand the menu on Windows 11: now get!