Getting the “This PC” Icon on Your Windows 11 Desktop
It’s pretty straightforward to add the “This PC” icon to your desktop in Windows 11. It’s a handy shortcut that saves you time hunting through folders to find your files. The main trick is diving into the personalise settings and ticking a box. If that doesn’t do the trick, you can always create a shortcut manually via File Explorer or the command prompt. Either way, it’s all about making your desktop more user-friendly, right?
How to Put “This PC” on Your Desktop
This guide isn’t complex, but it’ll do the job nicely. Perfect if you’re just starting to customise Windows. The goal? Get quick access to your drives and system info right from the desktop.
Start with Windows Settings
First, click the Start button (that’s the Windows icon at the bottom of your screen). From there, select the gear icon labelled “Settings”. You can also press Windows + I and straight into your settings you go. This is the main place to tweak your system.
Navigate to Personalisation
Once in Settings, find the “Personalisation” section. This is where you can change themes, wallpapers, colours, and also manage desktop icons. If you don’t see certain options, it might be due to your Windows version needing an update — keeping Windows up to date often sorts out these little hiccups.
Adjust Your Theme
Next, click on “Themes”. Here, you can switch wallpapers, tweak colour schemes, and change styles. This section also grants quick access to Desktop Icon Settings, which is where you add or remove icons like “This PC”.
Access Desktop Icon Settings
Scroll down in the Themes menu and select “Desktop icon settings”. Alternatively, you can get there through the Control Panel:
- Open the Start menu, type in “Control Panel”, or press Windows + R, type
control, then hit Enter. - Navigate to Appearance and Personalisation > Change desktop icons.
This opens a window with a list of icons you can show or hide, including “This PC”. It’s pretty handy.
Tick the “This PC” Checkbox
Find the box next to “Computer” (that’s the new name for “This PC”) and tick it. Then click “Apply” and “OK”. The icon should appear on your desktop, making it easier to access your files. Remember, don’t forget to hit “Apply” — saving changes is the key!
If checking the box isn’t your style, you can also create a shortcut manually:
- Open File Explorer with Windows + E.
- Navigate to
C:\Users\.\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Network Shortcuts - Right-click, then select New > Shortcut.
- In the location field, enter
%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe shell:AppsFolder\Microsoft.Windows.FileExplorer(or simply typeexplorer.exe), then click Next. - Name it This PC and click Finish.
Note: pressing Windows + E opens File Explorer directly to “This PC”, so you might find that shortcut more useful in the long run.
Once set, the This PC icon will sit on your desktop, giving you quick access to your drives and folders — making your workflow smoother. Less time searching, more time doing.
Getting the Most from “This PC”
For best results, keep your Windows up to date. Regular updates fix bugs and improve performance. You can check for updates via Settings > Windows Update. Or, if you’re comfortable with PowerShell, run Get-WindowsUpdate as an administrator. If the Settings app is being stubborn, just type “Settings” into the search bar. Many people also right-click on the desktop and choose “Personalisation” for quicker access.
The Desktop Icon Settings isn’t just for “This PC” — you can add icons like the Control Panel, Network, or Recycle Bin to customise your desktop to suit your needs. Creating shortcuts with control.exe makes it easy to access these features. If you decide a particular icon isn’t your thing anymore, unchecking its box will remove it instantly.
Questions You Might Have About “This PC”
Why isn’t “This PC” appearing in Desktop Icon Settings?
Sometimes, the option just won’t show up. Usually, that’s because your Windows isn’t fully up to date or updates didn’t install properly. Keeping Windows current often solves this problem. Double-check your version — a quick misclick can lead to confusion.
Can I rename “This PC”?
Absolutely. Right-click the icon, select “Rename”, and type in whatever you fancy. Personalised names can make your setup feel a bit more your own.
Shortcut to open “This PC”?
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer directly to “This PC”. Alternatively, press Windows + R, type explorer shell:MyComputerFolder, and hit Enter.
What’s the point of “This PC”?
It gives quick access to your drives, folders like Documents and Downloads, and system info. Perfect for managing multiple drives or frequently used folders.
Can I add other icons like “This PC”?
Yes! The same process works to add icons like the Control Panel, Network, or Recycle Bin. Create shortcuts as needed, for example, using control.exe for Control Panel. Setting up your desktop your way can boost your productivity and make navigation a breeze.