How To Add ‘This PC’ Icon to Your Windows 11 Desktop Effortlessly
How to Add “This PC” Icon to Your Windows 11 Desktop
So, if navigating through folders feels like a mini workout every day, adding the “This PC” icon to the desktop could be a game changer. It’s not even immediately obvious that it’s not there by default. Once you know how to customize things, suddenly digging into your drives is a whole lot easier.
Getting the “This PC” icon to show up isn’t rocket science. Here’s the lowdown on bringing it back so you can access your files without diving through layers of menus.
Open That Context Menu
First off, right-click on any empty space on your desktop. This little action brings up a menu where you can access display settings. You’ll want to look for the “Personalize” option—select that, and it should whisk you off to the settings app. It’s kind of weird that Microsoft hides this in the context menu, but hey, here we are.
Dive into Personalization
After hitting “Personalize”, you’ll land in the Windows Settings window. From there, it’s all about finding your way to Personalization settings. You could also just hit Windows + I to skip all that clicking around and go straight there.
Find the Themes Section
Once you’re in Personalization, look to the left sidebar for the “Themes” option. Click on that, and you’ll see a link for “Desktop icon settings”. Sounds simple, but finding these settings can be like a scavenger hunt sometimes.
Get to the Desktop Icon Settings
In the Themes menu, there’s that “Desktop icon settings” option. Can’t find it? You could just type desk.cpl in the Run dialog (Windows + R) for a bypass. This immediately opens the icon settings, which is a nice little shortcut.
Check the “This PC” Box
In the Desktop Icon Settings window, look for “Computer” or “This PC”—just check that box. Hit “Apply”, and voilà! The icon should pop up on your desktop. You get instant access to your drives and libraries without the back-and-forth clicks.
Pro Tip: If the icon doesn’t show up right away, you might need to hit F5 to refresh the desktop. And if it’s still playing hard to get, restarting Windows Explorer through Task Manager often does the trick. Just Ctrl + Shift + Esc to get to Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, and hit “Restart”. Simple.
Tips for Making Your Desktop Work for You
Before getting too into it, ensure Windows 11 is up-to-date to avoid features acting up. While in Desktop Icon Settings, might as well tick other boxes for icons like “Recycle Bin” or “Network”—a little customization never hurts. Explore the “Themes” section for wallpapers or color themes while you’re at it.
Don’t forget about screen resolution either; tiny icons can be a headache. If you’re down to change things, hit “Apply” and “OK” to lock everything in place.
Answered Questions About “This PC”
Can I add more icons besides “This PC”?
Yes! The Desktop Icon Settings window is where you can choose multiple icons—stuff like “Recycle Bin” and “Control Panel”. It’s all about making your space work for you.
What if I can’t spot the “Desktop icon settings” option?
If it’s playing hide-and-seek, double-check under the “Themes” section. Sometimes it’s tucked away and requires a bit of digging. And don’t forget—typing desk.cpl in the Run dialog gets you there quick.
Will this mess with my current files?
Nope! Enabling “This PC” is just a shortcut to ease your navigation. It won’t touch, move, or delete your files or folders. Just a nice way to access them without manually navigating each time.
Can I take “This PC” off my desktop later?
Why “This PC” and not “My Computer”?
Oh, Microsoft and their rebranding! They switched it up to “This PC” in more recent versions to keep things contemporary. It clears any confusion, even if it takes a minute to adjust.
- Right-click on your desktop and hit “Personalize”.
- Find your way to the “Themes” section.
- Look for “Desktop icon settings” and click it.
- Check the box for “Computer” or “This PC”.
- Press “Apply” and then “OK”.
Getting the “This PC” icon on the desktop is a little tweak that makes life easier—direct access to storage drives is just so much more efficient. Once you get the hang of it, customizing Windows 11 can turn from a chore into a fun little project. Whether you’re changing backgrounds or icons, it’s all about creating a workspace that feels right.
Final Tip: For quick future access to desktop icon settings, you might want to save desk.cpl as a desktop shortcut. It could save a few clicks down the line!