Why are my desktop shortcuts missing?

Restore Missing Desktop Icons in Windows 7, 8, or 10

• Lowell Heddings

If youvepreviously added or removed the some of the special icons like Computer, User, and Control Panel to the desktopor just want to know how to add them in Windows 10heres how to do it.

Windows includes several desktop icons for system elements like the Recycle Bin, Computer (renamed to This PC in Windows 8 and 10), Control Panel, Network, and your user folder. Depending on your setup, some of these icons may have been included by default on your Windows 7 or 8 desktop. Most Windows 10 systemsagain by defaultinclude only the Recycle Bin icon. Whatever your current configuration, its simple enough to show or hide any of these icons on your system.

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Right-click any empty space on your desktop and choose the Personalize option.

If youre using Windows 10, clicking Personalize opens the new Settings app. On the left side, switch to the Themes tab. On the right side, scroll down and click the Desktop icon settings link.

If youre using Windows 7 or 8, clicking Personalize opens the Personalization Control Panel screen. At the upper left of the window, click the Change desktop icons link.

Whichever version of Windows youre using, the Desktop Icon Settings window that opens next looks the same. Select the check boxes for the icons you want to appear on your desktop, and then click the OK button.

You should see the icons show up as soon as you click Apply.

This makes it easy enough to get your desktop back to how you like it.