Adding the “This PC” Icon to Your Windows 11 Desktop
So, wanting quick access to your files on Windows 11? Yeah, that can be a pain if you’re constantly sifting through menus. Adding the “This PC” icon right to your desktop? Total game changer. It’s simple, helps keep everything in one place, and honestly, makes things feel a bit more organized. Who wouldn’t want that?
To get this icon on your desktop, there’s a straightforward process that both saves time and cuts down on those frustrating hunts for stuff in nested folders. Here’s the real deal on how it works.
Open Up Settings
First off, get to the Settings app. Click on that Start menu — or just hit the Windows key on your keyboard — and look for that gear icon that says Settings. A handy trick? Press Windows + I for a quick shortcut. Seriously, it cuts down so much hassle, especially if you’re already familiar with Windows shortcuts.
Head to Personalization
Once you’re in, find Personalization on the left. This is where the fun begins. It’s like the hub for tweaking the look of your desktop, letting you play around with backgrounds, themes, and all those little icons. Just a warning — it can get a bit overwhelming with all the options available.
Find Themes Settings
Scroll down and click on Themes. This section doesn’t just set the mood for your desktop; it also controls which icons show up. This is key for managing your desktop’s look and feel, so pay attention here.
Check Out Desktop Icon Settings
Look for a link that says “Desktop icon settings”. Yeah, it might be a bit awkward to find, but clicking on it opens a new window for managing which icons are hanging out on your desktop. It’s like giving you the power to decide what’s front and center.
Get “This PC” On Your Desktop
Inside that window, you’ll see a checkbox next to “Computer”. Tick that box, hit “Apply”, and then “OK” to seal the deal. Pretty quick, right? You should see the “This PC” icon pop up right away. It’s like magic — but not the frustrating kind that takes forever!
So now you’ve got that icon nicely parked on your desktop, making it a breeze to get to all your drives and folders. Think of it as your launchpad—saves time and keeps things neat.
Some Tips for a Tidy Desktop in Windows 11
Keeping your desktop organized can really help with productivity. First tip? Make sure Windows 11 is up to date. Those updates can tweak settings in ways you might not even notice but can improve your overall experience. And if the Settings app decides to play hard to get, just restart your machine. Often works wonders.
If diving into menus gets tiresome, you could always use the search bar in the Start menu to find “Desktop icon settings”. Quick and painless, like it should be. Plus, you can add other useful icons, like “Recycle Bin”, or even your favorite folders. Just drag and drop them to your desktop. Simple stuff!
Remember to click “Apply” before you close those windows, or else what’s the point? Consistent check-ins on your icons can help keep things efficient, especially if you’ve just updated or installed new software.
Answers to Common Questions About Desktop Icons
Can I ditch the “This PC” icon later?
No problem. If you change your mind, just backtrack to the Desktop Icon Settings and uncheck the “Computer” option. Hit “Apply” and “OK”, and poof, it’s gone. Flexibility is key here!
What if “Desktop icon settings” is MIA?
That can happen, and it’s annoying. Double-check you’re in the right part of the Themes settings first. If it’s still playing tricks, try reaching for the Control Panel. Type control in the Run box (Windows + R) and go to Appearance and Personalization > Personalization > Change desktop icons. Not ideal, but hey, sometimes you gotta go old school.
Can I rename “This PC” to something else?
You sure can! Just right-click that icon and pick “Rename”. Changing it up might make more sense if you’re working with a bunch of shared computers or just want to name it something ridiculous. Go wild!
Will adding icons slow down my system?
Not at all. Icons are just shortcuts at the end of the day. They won’t hog resources or anything like that, so feel free to add away without worry.
Is there a quick way to get to desktop icon settings?
Not really a dedicated shortcut for that specific window, but heading to Settings with Windows + I is about as fast as it gets. If you want more direct access, consider making a custom desktop shortcut using ms-settings:themes. Just right-click your desktop, go to Create New > Shortcut, and you’re golden.
Getting that “This PC” icon on your desktop can really tidy up your workspace. It’s an easy way to make your computer feel tailored to you. Feel free to explore more customization options — the easier it is to find what you need, the smoother your day-to-day tasks will run. Just a little tweak like this can make a bigger difference than expected.