How to Put Icon on Desktop Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to personalize your Windows 11 experience, adding icons to your desktop is a great place to start. Here’s a quick guide to get you going: right-click on your desktop, select "Personalize," navigate to "Themes," choose "Desktop icon settings," and then add or remove the icons you want. It’s that simple!

How to Put Icons on Desktop Windows 11

In this section, I’ll walk you through the steps to add icons to your desktop on Windows 11. This will help you keep your most-used apps and shortcuts within easy reach.

Step 1: Right-click on Your Desktop

Right-click on any empty space on your desktop.

This action will bring up a context menu with several options.

Step 2: Select "Personalize"

From the context menu, select the "Personalize" option.

This will open a settings window where you can customize various aspects of your Windows 11 interface.

Step 3: Navigate to "Themes"

In the Personalization window, find and click on "Themes."

The Themes section allows you to change the appearance of your desktop, including your theme, colors, and desktop icons.

Step 4: Choose "Desktop icon settings"

Scroll down in the Themes section and click on "Desktop icon settings."

This will open a new window where you can manage which system icons appear on your desktop.

Step 5: Select the Icons You Want

In the Desktop Icon Settings window, check the boxes next to the icons you want to add, like "Computer" or "Recycle Bin."

Once you’ve made your selections, click "Apply" and then "OK" to save your changes.

After completing these steps, you’ll see the selected icons appear on your desktop. You can now access these items directly from your desktop, making your workflow smoother and more efficient.

Tips for How to Put Icons on Desktop Windows 11

  • Use Folders: Group similar icons into folders for easier access and a cleaner desktop.
  • Customize Icons: You can change the appearance of each desktop icon by right-clicking on it and selecting "Properties."
  • Grid Alignment: Enable "Align icons to grid" by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting "View" to keep your icons organized.
  • Auto Arrange: Use the "Auto arrange icons" feature to automatically arrange your desktop icons.
  • Hide Icons: If you temporarily need a clean desktop, right-click on your desktop, go to "View," and uncheck "Show desktop icons."

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I add app shortcuts to my desktop?

Drag the app icon from the Start menu to your desktop to create a shortcut.

Can I change the size of my desktop icons?

Yes, right-click on your desktop, go to "View," and choose from small, medium, or large icons.

What should I do if the "Desktop icon settings" option is missing?

Ensure you’re in the Themes section under Personalization in the Settings menu.

How do I remove an icon from my desktop?

Right-click on the icon you want to remove and select "Delete." This will only remove the shortcut, not uninstall the app.

Can I add custom icons to my desktop?

Yes, download the icon you want to use, right-click on the current icon, go to "Properties," then "Change Icon," and navigate to your downloaded icon file.

Summary

  1. Right-click on Your Desktop
  2. Select "Personalize"
  3. Navigate to "Themes"
  4. Choose "Desktop icon settings"
  5. Select the Icons You Want

Conclusion

Putting icons on your desktop in Windows 11 is a great way to keep your most-used applications and shortcuts easily accessible. Following the steps above, you can quickly and easily customize your desktop to suit your needs. Remember, having a well-organized desktop can significantly improve your productivity and make your computer use more enjoyable.

Don’t hesitate to explore additional personalization options within Windows 11 to further tailor your experience. For more tips and tricks, keep an eye on our upcoming articles. If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone who might need a hand with their Windows 11 setup!

Get Our Free Newsletter

How-to guides and tech deals

You may opt out at any time.
Read our Privacy Policy