Need quick access to File Explorer or This PC? Here is how to show This PC icon on Windows 11 desktop (My Computer icon on the desktop).
There are a lot of new changes in Windows 11. This is especially true for the user interface and user-facing elements in Windows 11. For example, Windows 11 has significant UI uplift like the new design language, rounded corners, improved consistency, etc. Even with all the changes, the one thing that stayed consistent was the desktop icons. Windows hides all the system icons except the Recycle Bin icon to make the desktop look as clean as possible.
Though this is a good thing, for the most part, there might be situations where you need to have the This PC or My Computer icon on the desktop. For example, maybe the This PC icon on the desktop is your preferred way to open the File Explorer, or you want to access the additional This PC right-click options. In those cases, you can force Windows 11 to show This PC on desktop. All you have to do is modify the Desktop Icon Settings.
So, without further ado, let me show you how to add or show This PC icon on the desktop in Windows 11.
Show This PC icon on desktop in Windows 11
To show the This PC or My Computer icon on the desktop in Windows 11, you have to modify the Desktop Icon Settings. Here is where to find the option and change it.
- Press “Start key + I” to open Settings.
- Choose “Personalization” on the sidebar.
- Click the “Themes” option.
- Scroll down to the bottom and click the “Desktop icon settings” option.
- Select the “Computer” checkbox.
- Click “Ok.”
- With that, the This PC icon will appear on Windows 11 desktop.
Detailed steps:
The desktop icon settings are available from the Settings app. So, the first thing to do is open it. To do that, search for “Settings” in the Start menu or right-click on the Start menu and select the “Settings” option.
The ability to modify desktop icons is considered a theming option. Select “Personalization” on the sidebar and then choose the “Themes” option. This is where you will find all the theming options like changing Windows 11 theme, wallpaper, sounds, etc.
Scroll down, find, and click on the “Desktop icon settings” option on the Themes page.
The above action will open the old Control Panel window. Here, select the “Computer” checkbox. Next, click the “Ok” button.
As soon as you do that, the “This PC” icon will appear on the desktop.
Remove This PC icon from Windows 11 desktop
To remove This PC or My Computer on the desktop in Windows 11, follow these steps.
- Open Settings.
- Go to the “Personalization > Themes” page.
- Click the “Desktop icon settings” option.
- Uncheck the “Computer” checkbox.
- Click “Ok.”
- With that, the This PC icon is removed on the desktop in Windows 11.
That is it.
It is that simple to show This PC or My Computer icon on desktop in Windows 11.
I hope that helps.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
