On Windows 11, the desktop acts just like any other folder, albeit a special one. As such, you can create and place files and folders on your desktop. In fact, any time you install a new application, it might automatically add its icon to the desktop so that you can launch it easily. While useful, the desktop can become very cluttered and unorganized pretty quickly. However, you might not want to remove all the desktop icons due to their obvious usefulness. Thankfully, Windows 11 has an option that lets you show or hide desktop icons with a couple of clicks.
For example, you hide all the desktop icons on Windows 11 when you don’t want to see them. When you need to access an icon on the desktop, you can show them back just as easily. Here’s how to find and change the setting according to your need.
Hide desktop icons on Windows 11
The Windows 11 desktop context menu has the option to manage desktop icons. Here’s how.
Step 1: Right-click on the desktop wallpaper.
Step 2: Select View and uncheck the Show desktop icons option.
Step 3: With that, all desktop icons are hidden on Windows 11 instantly.
Using group policy editor (Alternate method)
If you don’t want users to change the desktop icons visibility status then you can use the group policy editor.
Step 1: Open the group policy editor by searching for it in the Start menu.
Step 2: Go to the User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Desktop folder.
Step 3: Open the Hide and disable all items on the desktop policy.
Step 4: Choose Enabled and click Ok.
Step 5: Restart your computer.
Once the system is restarted, all the desktop icons are hidden and a user cannot change the visibility from the context menu. You need to modify the policy settings from the group policy editor. Do keep in mind that it might also disable the right-click context menu on the desktop in Windows 11.
If you are using Windows 10 or older version, follow this tutorial.
Show desktop icons on Windows 11
To change the desktop icons visibility status and show them, follow the below-provided below.
Step 1: Go to the desktop and right-click on the wallpaper.
Step 2: Select the View > Show desktop icons option from the context menu.
Step 3: With that, all desktop icons are visible on Windows 11.
Using group policy editor (Alternate method)
If you used the group policy editor to hide desktop icons, then follow the below steps to show the icons on the desktop in Windows 11.
Step 1: Open the Group Policy Editor from the start menu.
Step 2: Navigate to the User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Desktop folder.
Step 3: Open the Hide and disable all items on the desktop policy, choose Not configured, and click Ok.
Step 4: Restart PC.
That’s it. It is that simple to show or hide desktop icons on Windows 11. I hope this small tutorial helped you in managing your desktop icons.
If you are stuck or need help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.
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