The Windows 10 desktop is often the first place users access after signing in, making it a convenient location for frequently used icons. While Windows 10 displays the Recycle Bin by default, other common system icons such as This PC, Control Panel, Network, and User’s Files are hidden after a fresh installation. Fortunately, Windows 10 makes it easy to add these icons back to the desktop.
Adding commonly used desktop icons provides quick access to essential system tools and folders without having to search through the Start menu or File Explorer. Whether you’re setting up a new PC or simply customizing your workspace, enabling these icons can improve productivity and make navigation easier.
This guide explains several methods to add commonly used icons to the Windows 10 desktop, along with tips for managing and customizing desktop shortcuts.
Why Add Desktop Icons?
Desktop icons offer direct access to important Windows features, reducing the number of clicks needed to perform everyday tasks.
Some benefits include:
- Quick access to system folders
- Faster navigation
- Improved desktop organization
- Easier access for beginners
- Convenient shortcuts to frequently used locations
Many users prefer having system icons visible because they are always accessible from the desktop.
Common Desktop Icons Available in Windows 10
Windows 10 allows you to display several built-in desktop icons, including:
- This PC
- Recycle Bin
- Network
- Control Panel
- User’s Files
These icons can be enabled or disabled individually.
Method 1: Add Desktop Icons Using Desktop Icon Settings
The Desktop Icon Settings window is the easiest way to display Windows system icons.
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Select Personalize.
- Click Themes from the left pane.
- Scroll down and select Desktop icon settings.
- Under Desktop Icons, check the icons you want to display:
- Computer (This PC)
- User’s Files
- Network
- Recycle Bin
- Control Panel
- Click Apply.
- Select OK.
The selected icons immediately appear on the desktop.
Method 2: Add This PC to the Desktop
Many users prefer having This PC available for quick access to drives and storage devices.
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Navigate to Personalization > Themes.
- Click Desktop icon settings.
- Check Computer.
- Click Apply and then OK.
The This PC icon will now be visible on your desktop.
Method 3: Add Control Panel to the Desktop
Although Windows encourages users to use the Settings app, the Control Panel remains useful for many advanced settings.
To add it:
- Open Desktop icon settings.
- Check Control Panel.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
You can now open Control Panel directly from the desktop.
Method 4: Display the Network Icon
If you frequently manage network connections, adding the Network icon can save time.
- Open Desktop icon settings.
- Enable Network.
- Click Apply.
- Select OK.
The Network icon now appears on the desktop.
Method 5: Show the User’s Files Icon
The User’s Files icon opens your personal profile folder, which contains Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, Desktop, and other personal folders.
To enable it:
- Open Desktop icon settings.
- Select User’s Files.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
This shortcut provides quick access to your personal data.
Method 6: Restore the Recycle Bin Icon
If the Recycle Bin icon has disappeared:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization > Themes.
- Click Desktop icon settings.
- Ensure Recycle Bin is checked.
- Click Apply.
- Select OK.
The Recycle Bin will return to the desktop.
Method 7: Create Desktop Shortcuts for Frequently Used Apps
Besides system icons, you can add shortcuts for your favorite applications.
- Open the Start menu.
- Locate the application.
- Right-click it and select More > Open file location (if available).
- Right-click the application shortcut.
- Select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
The shortcut appears on your desktop for easy access.
Method 8: Create Folder Shortcuts on the Desktop
Frequently used folders can also be added.
- Open File Explorer.
- Locate the folder.
- Right-click it.
- Select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
This creates a shortcut without moving the original folder.
Method 9: Pin Important Items Alongside Desktop Icons
Although not technically desktop icons, you can improve accessibility by pinning items to the Start menu or taskbar.
To pin an app:
- Open the Start menu.
- Right-click the application.
- Select Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar.
This provides another quick way to launch frequently used programs.
How to Change Desktop Icon Appearance
Windows 10 lets you customize desktop icons.
- Open Desktop icon settings.
- Select an icon.
- Click Change Icon.
- Choose an available icon.
- Click OK.
- Select Apply.
You can also download custom icon packs if you want a personalized desktop.
How to Resize Desktop Icons
To change icon size:
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Select View.
- Choose:
- Large icons
- Medium icons
- Small icons
You can also hold Ctrl while scrolling the mouse wheel to resize icons smoothly.
How to Arrange Desktop Icons
Windows offers several organization options.
Right-click the desktop and choose View to access:
- Auto arrange icons
- Align icons to grid
- Show desktop icons
These options help keep your desktop tidy.
Common Problems When Adding Desktop Icons
Desktop Icon Settings Is Missing
Make sure you’re using Windows 10 with administrator privileges. Some organization-managed PCs may restrict personalization settings.
Icons Don’t Appear
Click Apply before closing the Desktop Icon Settings window and restart Windows if necessary.
Icons Disappear After an Update
Major Windows updates may reset some personalization settings. Simply re-enable the desired icons using Desktop Icon Settings.
Desktop Icons Are Hidden
Right-click the desktop, select View, and ensure Show desktop icons is enabled.
Tips for Keeping Your Desktop Organized
- Display only the icons you use regularly.
- Group similar shortcuts together.
- Remove unused shortcuts periodically.
- Use descriptive shortcut names.
- Store files in folders instead of directly on the desktop.
- Pin frequently used apps to the taskbar for even quicker access.
A clean desktop makes it easier to find important items and can improve your overall Windows experience.
Conclusion
Adding commonly used icons to the Windows 10 desktop is one of the simplest ways to improve accessibility and productivity. Whether you need quick access to This PC, Control Panel, Network, User’s Files, or Recycle Bin, Windows provides an easy way to display these built-in icons through the Desktop Icon Settings menu. You can also create shortcuts for your favorite applications and folders, customize icon appearance, and organize your desktop to suit your workflow. With just a few minutes of setup, you can create a cleaner, more efficient desktop environment that makes navigating Windows 10 faster and more convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add This PC to my Windows 10 desktop?
Open Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings, check Computer, then click Apply and OK.
Can I add Control Panel to the desktop?
Yes. Open Desktop icon settings, check Control Panel, and apply the changes.
Why are my desktop icons missing?
Desktop icons may be hidden. Right-click the desktop, select View, and make sure Show desktop icons is enabled.
Can I customize desktop icons?
Yes. Open Desktop icon settings, select an icon, click Change Icon, choose a new icon, and save the changes.
