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

Precision in Excel

The best way to understand why Excel provides the answers it does is to examine how it handles precision. This tip ...

Discover More

Changing the Ribbon Font Size

Changing the size at which your document is displayed is easy. What, though, of the elements that make up the Word ...

Discover More

WordTips Annual Archives

WordTips is a weekly newsletter that provides tips on how to best use Microsoft's word processing software. At ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Adding Apps using Microsoft Store

Finding apps to help you with your work or relaxation has never been easier thanks to the Microsoft Store. Quickly look ...

Discover More

Renaming and Deleting Icons

Want to change the name of a desktop icon or get rid of it entirely? It's easier to do than you probably think!

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
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 0 + 7?

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 © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.