By default, Windows 11 only shows the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. If you prefer quick and easy access to File Explorer, you can adjust the desktop icon settings to display the This PC (My Computer) icon. This is especially useful for those upgrading from older versions of Windows or for anyone who likes using the desktop icon to open File Explorer directly.
Adding the “This PC” icon also provides quick access to system tools like Computer Management, Network Drive Mapping, and more via the right-click menu.
In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to add or show the This PC (My Computer) icon on the desktop in Windows 11.
Before You Begin
- My Computer is called “This PC” on Windows 11.
- If you are using Windows 10, follow this guide to show My Computer in Windows 10.
Show My Computer (This PC) Icon on Windows 11 Desktop
You can display the This PC icon on the desktop using the Desktop Icon Settings tool. Here’s how:
- Press “Windows key + I” to open Settings.
- Go to the “Personalization” tab.
- Click the “Themes” option.
- Scroll down and click the “Desktop icon settings” option.
- Select the “Computer” checkbox.
- Click “OK“
- With that, the My Computer (This PC) icon will appear on the Windows 11 desktop.
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
On Windows 11, the Desktop Icon Settings tool can be opened using the Settings app. So, the first thing to do is open the Settings app. To do that, press the “Windows key + I” shortcut. Another way is to search for “Settings” in the Start menu.
In the Settings window, go to the “Personalization” tab on the sidebar and then click the “Themes” option on the right panel. Generally, this is where you manage and change Windows 11 themes, wallpaper, sounds, etc.
Scroll down in the right panel of the “Themes” page, find, and click the “Desktop Icon Settings” option.
The above action will open the Desktop Icon Settings tool. On this window, select the “Computer” checkbox. Next, click the “OK” button.
As soon as you do that, you will see the “This PC” icon on the desktop. As I said earlier, My Computer is called This PC on Windows 11. If you right-click the This PC icon and select “Show more options”, you will see additional options to open tools like Computer Management.
Steps To Remove My Computer (This PC) on Desktop on Windows 11
If you don’t want to see the “This PC” icon on your desktop, you can remove or hide it using the Desktop Icon Settings tool. Here’s how.
- Open Settings using the “Windows key + I” shortcut.
- 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 from the desktop in Windows 11.
That is it. It’s that simple.
Wrapping Up — Showing “This PC” on Windows 11 Desktop
As shown in this guide, the “This PC” (formerly “My Computer”) icon is hidden by default in Windows 11, but you can easily add it to your desktop using the Desktop Icon Settings tool. You can also use this method to show the Network icon on your desktop.
Keep in mind that once you add the “This PC” icon, it cannot be removed like a regular shortcut. To remove it, you’ll need to go back to the Desktop Icon Settings and disable it.
If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
