Are you missing the "This PC" (also known as "My Computer") icon on your Windows desktop? This is a very common problem that many Windows users face. Many times, after a major Windows update (like feature updates), a fresh Windows installation, or sometimes even after installing certain third-party software, this icon suddenly disappears from the desktop.
Without this icon, it becomes really annoying and time-consuming to open your drives (like C:, D:, E:), important folders, and system settings. You have to open File Explorer every time and navigate manually, which wastes your valuable time. Don't worry at all! In this detailed guide, we will show you exactly how to bring the "This PC" icon back to your desktop in just a few simple clicks — no technical knowledge required!
What is "This PC" and Why is It Important?
Before we start, let us quickly explain what "This PC" actually is. In older versions of Windows (like Windows 7, XP), it was called "My Computer". From Windows 8 onwards, Microsoft renamed it to "This PC". It is a shortcut that gives you direct access to:
- All your hard drives and partitions (C:, D:, E:, etc.)
- Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, Videos folders
- Connected USB drives and external hard disks
- CD/DVD drives (if available)
- Quick access to network locations
Having this icon on your desktop means you can reach all of these with just one double-click — instead of opening File Explorer, then finding "This PC" in the sidebar. That's why having it on the desktop is so convenient and useful!
Steps to Show "This PC" Icon on Desktop
This step-by-step method works for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. The process is almost the same, with just a small difference in how you reach the settings. Let's see how to do it:
🖥️ For Windows 10 Users:
- Right-click on any empty space on your Desktop screen. (Make sure you don't right-click on any existing icon or file — click on the blank/empty area of the desktop).
- A menu will appear with several options. Click on "Personalize" from that menu. This will open the Windows Settings page on your screen.
- On the left side of the Settings window, you will see a menu — click on "Themes".
- Now scroll down the Themes page and you will find a link that says "Desktop icon settings". Click on it.
- A new small window will pop up on your screen. This is the "Desktop Icon Settings" window. Here, you will see a list of desktop icons like Computer, Recycle Bin, User's Files, Control Panel, Network, etc.
- In the "Desktop icons" section, put a checkmark (✅) next to the "Computer" option. (Note: Even though it says "Computer", it will show as "This PC" on your desktop — they are the same thing!)
- Finally, click on the "Apply" button first, and then click on "OK" to save the changes.
🪟 For Windows 11 Users:
- Right-click on any empty space on your Desktop screen.
- From the menu that appears, click on "Personalize". This will open the Personalization settings page.
- On the right side, click on "Themes" (you may need to scroll down a bit to find it).
- Now scroll down and find "Desktop icon settings" and click on it.
- The same "Desktop Icon Settings" window will pop up. Put a checkmark (✅) next to "Computer".
- Click "Apply" and then "OK".
That's it! Close the settings window and go back to your desktop. You will see that the "This PC" icon has appeared on your screen like magic! 🎉 Now, you can easily double-click on it to access your hard drives, files, and folders directly.
Alternative Method: Using Windows Search
If the above method doesn't work for some reason, or if you prefer a different approach, here's another simple way:
- Press the Windows Key on your keyboard (or click the Start button).
- Type "Desktop icon settings" in the search bar.
- You will see "Show or hide common desktop icons" in the results — click on it.
- The same Desktop Icon Settings window will open. Check the "Computer" box and click "Apply" then "OK".
This method is even faster and works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11!
Alternative Method: Using Run Command (Fastest!)
For those who love keyboard shortcuts, here is the fastest way to open Desktop Icon Settings:
- Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard together. This will open the "Run" dialog box.
- Type "desk.cpl ,5" (without quotes — note the space before comma and the number 5) and press Enter.
- The Desktop Icon Settings window will directly open! Now check the "Computer" box, click "Apply" and "OK".
This Run command method is the quickest way and works perfectly on both Windows 10 and 11! 💻⚡
How to Change the "This PC" Icon Design
Did you know you can also change how the "This PC" icon looks on your desktop? If you want a custom icon instead of the default one:
- Open "Desktop icon settings" using any of the methods above.
- Select "Computer" from the list (click on it once to highlight it).
- Click the "Change Icon" button at the bottom.
- Choose any icon from the available list, or click "Browse" to use your own custom .ico file.
- Click "OK", then "Apply", and "OK" again.
Why Did the Icon Disappear?
Many users wonder why this happens out of nowhere. Here are the most common reasons:
- Windows Major Updates: Feature updates (like 22H2, 23H2) can sometimes reset desktop settings to default, removing custom icons.
- Fresh Windows Installation: When you install Windows new, only the Recycle Bin icon is shown by default. This PC icon is not enabled automatically.
- Third-Party Software: Some customization tools or desktop enhancers can accidentally hide desktop icons.
- Group Policy Changes: In some office/organization computers, the IT admin may disable desktop icons through Group Policy.
- System Glitches: Sometimes Windows Explorer crashes and resets desktop settings.
It is NOT a virus or a major system error, so there is absolutely no need to worry. Just follow the steps above and your icon will be back!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is "My Computer" and "This PC" the same thing?
A: Yes! "My Computer" was the name used in older Windows versions (XP, 7). From Windows 8 onwards, Microsoft renamed it to "This PC". They both do the same thing.
Q: Will this method work on Windows 7?
A: Yes, the process is very similar. Right-click on desktop → Personalize → Change desktop icons → Check "Computer" → Apply → OK.
Q: I followed all steps but the icon is still not showing. What should I do?
A: Try restarting your PC. If that doesn't work, your desktop icons might be hidden. Right-click on desktop → View → Make sure "Show desktop icons" is checked (✅).
Q: Can I rename the "This PC" icon on my desktop?
A: Yes! Just right-click on the "This PC" icon on your desktop, select "Rename", and type whatever name you want — like "My Computer" or "Computer".
Conclusion
We hope this detailed computer tutorial helped you get your "My Computer" / "This PC" icon back on your desktop. As you can see, it is a very simple process and only takes a minute. No need to install any software or make any complex changes — just a few clicks in Windows settings and you're done!
If you found this guide useful, don't forget to share it with your friends, family, or colleagues who might be facing the same problem. Sharing knowledge helps everyone! 🤝
Stay tuned to EduOrbit for more practical computer tips, tricks, Windows tutorials, and educational guides!
#ThisPC #MyComputer #WindowsDesktop #Windows10 #Windows11 #DesktopIcon #ComputerTips #WindowsTips #EduOrbit #WindowsTutorial #HowTo #TechTips #ComputerTutorial #DesktopSettings #WindowsUpdate #MissingIcon #BringBackThisPC #ShowMyComputer #WindowsTricks #ComputerHelp #TechGuide #EasyTutorial #Windows11Tips #Windows10Tips #DesktopCustomization #WindowsSettings