If you’ve just upgraded to Windows 11 and are scratching your head wondering how to bring back the good ol’ “This PC” icon on your desktop, you’re definitely not alone. The whole process can feel a bit whacky, especially since Windows decided to hide some icons behind the scenes now. But don’t worry, it’s pretty easy once you know where to look. Here’s a quick rundown of what worked for me, and hopefully it’ll help you too.
How to Show This PC on the Desktop in Windows 11
This bit’s about getting that icon back so you can get to your drives and folders quicker. Windows 11’s interface changed a bit, and it’s not always obvious how to tweak things anymore. Basically, you’re messing with the Settings, mainly the Personalisation options.
Step 1: Right-click on the Desktop
Just right-click anywhere on your empty desktop space. A menu will pop up, and that’s your new best mate. Sometimes it can be a little finicky, especially if you’re on a touchscreen or something, but generally it does the trick.
Step 2: Select Personalise
In that menu, pick Personalise. That opens up the Windows appearance settings. Here’s where it gets a bit tricky; the options are scattered, but we’re zooming in on icons.
Step 3: Open Themes Settings
In the Personalisation window, find and click on Themes from the sidebar. Bit weird, but that’s where the desktop icons settings are hiding now. Sometimes this menu doesn’t highlight clearly, so keep your eyes peeled.
Step 4: Click on Desktop icon settings
Scroll down in the Themes settings page until you see a link called Desktop icon settings. It’s under the “Related Settings” area or similar. Clicking this is the key — it’ll open a dialog box with icon options.
Note: If you don’t see this, make sure you’re fully in the Themes section, not just the main Personalisation page. Yep, Windows loves to make things a bit more complicated.
Step 5: Tick the Box for Computer
In the Desktop Icon Settings window, check the box next to Computer, then click Apply and OK. That’s all there is to it. The “This PC” icon should show up immediately or after a quick refresh. If not, sometimes a reboot or logging out and back in does the trick. Funny thing? On some setups, it doesn’t show up after you check the box, and a restart fixes it. No idea why, just Windows being Windows.
Once done, the “This PC” icon will be there whenever you need it, just like in Windows 10 and before. Feels a bit more familiar, right? Now you can double-click to see your drives, folders, and system info faster than digging through menus.
Tips for Showing This PC on Desktop in Windows 11
- If you also want the Recycle Bin or other icons, just check the boxes in the same Desktop Icon Settings window. Easy as.
- Keep it simple — only add the icons you actually need. Overloading your desktop can make things messier.
- If the icon’s still not showing, remember that Windows + E opens File Explorer directly — sometimes faster anyway.
- For folders you visit all the time, pin them to Quick Access in File Explorer — no need to clutter up your desktop.
- And don’t forget to keep Windows 11 updated. Sometimes these features act a bit funny if your OS is a bit behind the latest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find the Desktop Icon Settings?
This one’s a bit odd, but it’s usually because you’re not fully in the Themes section of Settings. Double-check you’ve clicked on Themes from the Personalise menu, then hunt for that Desktop icon settings link.
Can I remove “This PC” later?
Sure thing. Just head back to the same menu and uncheck Computer. It’s reversible, so no worries about messing things up for good.
Does adding “This PC” slow down my PC?
Nah, not at all. It’s just a shortcut icon — doesn’t impact performance or gobble up resources. Simply a visual thing.
Can I change the name of the “This PC” icon?
Absolutely. It’s like renaming any desktop shortcut. Right-click, pick Rename, and type away.
What if “This PC” still doesn’t show after I check the box?
Here’s a tip — a restart might do wonders. Logging out and back in can also help. Windows can be a bit slow to update the desktop right after changes, so hang tight.
Summary
- Right-click on the Desktop.
- Select Personalise.
- Go to Themes Settings.
- Click on Desktop Icon Settings.
- Check the Box for Computer.
Conclusion
Getting your “This PC” icon back in Windows 11 isn’t rocket science, but it’s definitely a bit more hidden than it used to be. Once you get your head around where the settings are — mainly in Themes — it’s a quick two-minute fix. Just a reminder that Windows sometimes loves to hide the obvious. Anyway, having that icon handy makes life easier when navigating your drives and system info. No more digging through menus — just a quick click and you’re away. Hopefully this saved you a few minutes or spared you a headache. Cheers!