Changing the Default Desktop Icons

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 6, 2019)

Windows, by default, displays only the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop. You can, if you desire, instruct Windows to display a number of other icons as well. Follow these steps if you are using a Windows 10 system:

  1. Click the Start button (the Windows icon) and then select Settings icon (looks like a small gear). Windows displays the Windows Settings screen.
  2. Choose Personalize. Windows displays the Personalization window.
  3. Click the Themes link from the list on the left side of the window. Windows displays the Themes window.
  4. Scroll down to the Related Settings group and click on the Desktop Icon Settings link. Windows displays the Desktop Icon Settings dialog box. (See Figure 1.)

    5. Figure 1. The Desktop Icon Settings dialog box.

  5. At the top of the dialog box, make sure a check mark appears beside each icon you want displayed on your desktop.
  6. Click OK.

If you are using a Windows 7 or Windows 8 system, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click at some empty point on your desktop. Windows displays a Context menu.
  2. Choose Personalize from the Context menu. Windows displays the Personalize dialog box.
  3. Click the Change Desktop Icons link, near the upper-left of the dialog box. Windows displays the Desktop Icon Settings dialog box.
  4. At the top of the dialog box, make sure a check mark appears beside each icon you want displayed on your desktop.
  5. Click OK.

The icons you selected should now be visible on the screen, along with all the others you have.

 This tip (10958) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Moving a Table Row

Want to move a row in a table very easily? You can do so by using the same editing techniques you are already using.

Discover More

Excel Applies Scientific Notation to Imported Data

Using Excel to import data from another source (such as a database) is a great approach to analyze that data. What do you ...

Discover More

Shortcut to Display Bookmarks

It can be helpful to see where the bookmarks are located in a document. This tip provides a quick way that you can both ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Renaming a Bluetooth Device

Having several Bluetooth devices can be hard to manage. You can manage Bluetooth devices better (and easier) by renaming ...

Discover More

Introducing Microsoft Garage

Microsoft Garage is a way to test out new innovative programs or features that help developers looking to expand or test ...

Discover More

Understanding Windows Aero

Windows Aero, first introduced with Windows Vista, provides a nice visual experience when working on your computer. And ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 2 + 2?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2024 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.