Customizing your Windows 11 desktop with new icons can make it feel more personal and organized. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require any advanced tech skills. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have your desktop looking exactly how you want it in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial: Adding New Icons to Windows 11 Desktop
Before we jump into the step-by-step process, let’s understand what we’re about to do. Adding new icons to your Windows 11 desktop can help you quickly access your favorite apps, files, or folders. It’s a great way to personalize your workspace and keep the most-used programs right at your fingertips.
Step 1: Right-click on the desktop
Right-click on an empty space on your desktop.
This will open a context menu where you’ll find several options to customize your desktop.
Step 2: Select ‘Personalize’
Click on ‘Personalize’ from the context menu.
This will take you to the personalization settings for your Windows 11, where you can change the background, colors, lock screen, and more.
Step 3: Click on ‘Themes’
In the personalization settings, click on ‘Themes’.
Themes are a combination of background images, window colors, and sounds. Here we’ll find the option to change desktop icons.
Step 4: Click on ‘Desktop icon settings’
Scroll down in the Themes section and click on ‘Desktop icon settings’.
This will open a new window where you can add, remove or change the icons on your desktop.
Step 5: Select the icons you want to add
In the ‘Desktop Icons’ tab, check the boxes next to the icons you want to add to your desktop.
You can choose from common Windows system icons like ‘This PC’, ‘Network’, ‘Recycle Bin’, etc.
Step 6: Click ‘Apply’, then ‘OK’
After selecting the icons, click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’ to save the changes.
Your selected icons will now appear on your desktop.
After following these steps, you will see the new icons you selected appear on your Windows 11 desktop. You can move them around and place them wherever you like, just as you would with any other icon.
Tips: Customizing Icons on Windows 11 Desktop
- Customize the look of your icons by changing the icon image in the ‘Desktop Icons’ settings.
- If you want to add a program or app to your desktop, search for it in the Start menu, right-click, and select ‘Show more options’ > ‘Send to’ > ‘Desktop (create shortcut)’.
- Keep your desktop organized by grouping similar icons together.
- Use third-party software for more advanced icon customization options.
- Don’t clutter your desktop with too many icons; this can make it harder to find what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add custom icons to my desktop?
Yes, you can add custom icons by changing the icon image in the ‘Desktop Icons’ settings.
How do I remove an icon from the desktop?
Right-click on the icon you want to remove and select ‘Delete’. This will remove the shortcut, not the actual program.
Can I change the size of the icons on the desktop?
Yes, you can change the size by right-clicking on the desktop, selecting ‘View’, and then choosing your desired icon size.
How do I align icons on the desktop?
Right-click on the desktop, hover over ‘View’, and make sure ‘Align icons to grid’ is checked. This will automatically align your icons.
Can I add a folder to the desktop as an icon?
Yes, you can create a shortcut to any folder by right-clicking it, selecting ‘Send to’, and then ‘Desktop (create shortcut)’.
Summary
- Right-click on the desktop
- Select ‘Personalize’
- Click on ‘Themes’
- Click on ‘Desktop icon settings’
- Select the icons you want to add
- Click ‘Apply’, then ‘OK’
Conclusion
Adding new icons to your Windows 11 desktop is a simple way to make your computer feel more like your own personal space. Whether it’s for quick access to your most-used apps or just to add a bit of flair to your workspace, customizing your desktop icons is a breeze with Windows 11. Remember, it’s all about making your day-to-day computer use more efficient and more enjoyable. So, go ahead and add those new icons, and while you’re at it, why not spruce up your desktop background too? And if you ever get stuck, just come back to this guide for a quick refresher. Your perfect desktop setup is just a few clicks away!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.