How to Fix Desktop Icons Disappearing on Windows 11

Parth Shah is an evergreen freelance writer covering how-tos, app guides, comparisons, listicles, and troubleshooting guides on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and smart TV platforms. He has over five years of experience and has covered 1,500+ articles on GuidingTech and Android Police. In his free time, you will see him binge-watching Netflix shows, reading books, and traveling.

Afam has been a content writer with Guiding Tech Media since August 2023. However, his experience in tech writing dates back to 2018, when he worked as a freelance writer for Make Tech Easier. Over the years, he has grown a reputation for publishing quality guides, reviews, tips, and explainer articles. His work is featured on top websites, including Technical Ustad, Windows Report, and Next of Windows. He has training as a Microsoft Certified Professional and has covered more Microsoft-related guides on these platforms.

Basic Fixes

Fix 1: Enable Show Desktop Icons

Before we proceed with advanced solutions to fix icons disappearing from desktop on Windows issues, ensure that the setting is enabled from the View menu. Follow the steps below.

Right-click on any open space on the desktop > clickView>Show desktop icons.

Fix 2: Turn on Desktop Icons in Settings

Windows offers handy Desktop Icons Settings to enable/disable shortcuts for the Computer, User’s Files, Network, Control Panel, and Recycle Bin. Here’s how to access and enable those icons on your desktop.

Step 1:Right-click on the desktop and clickPersonalize.

Step 2:ExpandThemes.

Step 3:Scroll down and selectDesktop icon settings.

Step 3:Turn on desktop icons for theComputer,User’s Files,Network,Recycle Bin, andControl Panel, then hitApplyand click onOK.

Fix 3: Run SFC Scan to Fix Corrupted Files

On Windows 11, the SFC scan helps fix computer file corruption. These corrupt files may be why your icons are disappearing. Follow the steps below to run the scan.

Step 1:PressWindows+Rto open the Run dialog, typecmd, and hitCtrl+Shift+Enterto launch an elevated Command Prompt.

Step 2:Type the below command and hitEnter.

Step 3:Follow any prompts on Command Prompt, then restart the computer at the end of the process.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 27 May, 2024

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*

Name*

Email*

Comment*

Δ

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

More in Windows

How to Install YouTube Music App on Desktop (Windows and Mac)

5 Fixes for “Word Experienced an Error Trying to Open the File” Error in Windows

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.

© 2024 Guiding Tech Media. All Rights Reserved.