How to Show, Hide, or Restore Desktop Icons in Windows 10

To show desktop icons in Windows 10, right-click an empty spot on the desktop, select View, and check Show desktop icons. Uncheck it to hide all icons.

To add icons such as This PC or Recycle Bin, go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings.

Applies to: Windows 10. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, and only PCs enrolled in Extended Security Updates still get security fixes, through October 12, 2027.

Show or hide all desktop icons

1. Right-click an empty spot on the desktop.
2. Select View.
3. Check or uncheck Show desktop icons.

Your files stay on the desktop when icons are hidden. They’re just not shown.

Add This PC, Recycle Bin, and other system icons

1. Select Start > Settings > Personalization > Themes.
2. Under Related Settings, select Desktop icon settings.
3. Check Computer, User’s Files, Network, Recycle Bin, or Control Panel, then select OK.

To add a shortcut to an app, drag it from the Start menu to the desktop. There are other ways to create a desktop shortcut as well. Apps can also be pinned as Start tiles or to the taskbar, as shown in how to put apps on the home screen in Windows 10.

Restore missing desktop icons

• Check Show desktop icons: right-click the desktop, select View, and make sure it’s checked.
• Turn off tablet mode: open Action Center (Windows + A) and turn off Tablet mode. It hides desktop icons.
• Restart File Explorer: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, find Windows Explorer, and select Restart.
• Check OneDrive: if OneDrive backs up your desktop, your files may be in the OneDrive > Desktop folder.
• Missing This PC or Recycle Bin: turn them back on in Desktop icon settings.

Make icons bigger or smaller

Right-click the desktop, select View, and choose Large icons, Medium icons, or Small icons. For more sizes, hold Ctrl and scroll the mouse wheel on the desktop.

Stop icons from moving around

Windows has no setting to lock icons, but these help:

• In View, uncheck Auto arrange icons so icons stay where you put them.
• Keep Align icons to grid checked so they line up neatly.
• Icons can shift when the screen resolution changes, such as when you connect a second monitor.

Change an icon’s picture

• This PC, Recycle Bin, and other system icons: in Desktop icon settings, select the icon, then Change Icon.
• A shortcut: right-click it, select Properties, and select Change Icon on the Shortcut tab.

Select Restore Default in Desktop icon settings to undo a change.

Hide just one icon

Right-click the file or folder, select Properties, check Hidden, and select OK. It disappears unless File Explorer is set to show hidden items. To bring it back later, show hidden files in Windows 10 and uncheck Hidden.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my icons have green checks or blue arrows?

Those are OneDrive sync or shortcut markers, not a problem with the desktop.

How do I get to the desktop quickly?

Press Windows + D to show the desktop, and press it again to bring your windows back. A few other ways to show the desktop work too.

Why did all my desktop icons disappear after an update?

Usually Show desktop icons was turned off, or you’re signed in to a temporary profile. Right-click the desktop and check View > Show desktop icons. If you see a message about a temporary profile, restart the PC to load your normal one.

Can I put icons on just one monitor?

Desktop icons always live on the main display. To move them to another screen, drag them there, or make that screen the main display in Settings > System > Display.

To give app shortcuts a new look, you can also change app icons in Windows 10. All the desktop icon options are listed in Microsoft’s Customize the desktop icons in Windows.