If you’re a Windows 10 user, you might have experienced the frustrating moment when all your desktop icons seem to have vanished. This often happens after a fresh installation, leaving you with just the Recycle Bin and Microsoft Edge. While this can be annoying, retrieving those missing icons is a straightforward process. Furthermore, you may sometimes prefer to hide certain icons for a cleaner look. In this article, we’ll explore how to recover and hide desktop icons effectively, helping you maintain an organized and visually appealing desktop.
1. How To Show Missing Desktop Icons.
- Open Personalize Dialog Window: Start by right-clicking on a blank space on your desktop. A context menu will appear; select “Personalize” from the options.
- Access Theme Settings：In the left sidebar, find and click on “Themes”. On the right side, look for the option labeled “Desktop icon settings” and click on it.
- Select Icons to Display: In the Desktop Icon Settings window, you’ll see a list of default system icons such as “This PC,” “Network,” and “Recycle Bin.” Check the boxes next to the icons you want to appear on your desktop. For instance, check “This PC” and “Recycle Bin,” then click “Apply”. You’ll see these icons appear immediately on your desktop.
- Removing Unwanted Icons：If you wish to hide certain icons, simply uncheck the corresponding boxes and click “Apply”. The icons you no longer want will disappear from your desktop.
2. How To Hide Desktop Icons.
To keep your desktop looking neat, you might want to hide some icons. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the icon Properties dialog window: For the icon you wish to hide (like a shortcut for Microsoft Edge), right-click on it and select “Properties”.
- Select the Hidden Option: In the Properties window, navigate to the “General” tab and find the “Hidden” checkbox. Check this box and click “Apply”, and the icon will disappear from your desktop.
- Restoring Hidden Icons: If you want to bring back hidden icons, you can open “File Explorer” and click on “Desktop”. Then, go to the top menu and click on “View”, checking the “Hidden items” option to reveal all hidden icons.
- Unhide Icons Again: Find the icon you previously hid, right-click it, and choose “Properties”. In the “General” tab, uncheck the “Hidden” option, then click “Apply”, and the icon will be restored to your desktop.
3. Tips for Keeping Your Desktop Organized.
If you have many icons on your desktop, using the methods above to hide unnecessary ones can greatly help in keeping it organized. For icons you use frequently, you might want to check hidden items regularly to ensure you have quick access. Additionally, consider creating folders to group similar applications, which can significantly reduce desktop clutter.
4. Conclusion.
In conclusion, Windows 10 offers flexible desktop management features that allow users to customize their workspace according to their needs. By using these simple tips, you can create a cleaner, more visually appealing desktop environment.