Adding This PC to your desktop in Windows 11 or Windows 10 is a simple way to improve accessibility and streamline navigation. The easiest method is to open Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop Icon Settings, enable Computer, and apply the changes. Alternatively, you can create a shortcut through File Explorer, drag the icon directly to the desktop, or use Registry Editor for advanced customization.
In this guide, you will learn multiple methods to add the This PC icon to your desktop.
How to Add This PC to Desktop in Windows 11/10
To add This PC to your desktop in Windows 11 or Windows 10:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Personalization.
- Select Themes.
- Open Desktop Icon Settings.
- Check the box next to Computer (This PC).
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Return to the desktop to view the This PC icon.
This is the quickest and most reliable method for adding This PC to the desktop.
Method 1: Add This PC Through Desktop Icon Settings
The most common way to display This PC on the desktop is through the Desktop Icon Settings menu. This built-in Windows feature allows you to show or hide system icons such as This PC, Recycle Bin, Network, and Control Panel.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
Go to Start Menu > Settings. You can also press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings instantly. Once the Settings window appears, you will see various categories related to system customization and configuration.
For beginners, using the keyboard shortcut is often the fastest method because it opens the Settings app directly without navigating through multiple menus.
Step 2: Access Personalization Settings
Go to Settings > Personalization. This section controls how Windows looks and behaves, including themes, colors, lock screen settings, and desktop customization options.
On the left side of the window in Windows 10 or within the main settings categories in Windows 11, locate and select Personalization.
Step 3: Open Themes
Go to Personalization > Themes. Scroll through the available options until you find the Themes section.
Themes control the visual appearance of Windows, including wallpapers, sounds, cursor settings, and desktop icons. The option to manage desktop icons is located here because it is considered part of your desktop theme configuration.
Step 4: Open Desktop Icon Settings
Go to Themes > Desktop Icon Settings. A small dialog box called Desktop Icon Settings will appear.
This window allows you to choose which standard Windows system icons should appear on the desktop. By default, some of these icons may be hidden.
Step 5: Enable the This PC Icon
In the Desktop Icon Settings window, locate Computer, which represents This PC.
Check the box beside Computer. Then select Apply and click OK.
After saving the changes, minimize or close all windows and return to your desktop. You should now see the This PC icon displayed on the screen.
Method 2: Create a Desktop Shortcut for This PC
If the standard desktop icon option is unavailable or you prefer a shortcut-based approach, you can manually create a shortcut.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Go to Start Menu > File Explorer. You can also press Windows + E to open File Explorer immediately.
File Explorer is the primary tool for managing files and folders in Windows. It also provides access to the This PC location.
Step 2: Locate This PC
Go to the navigation pane on the left side of File Explorer and find This PC.
If the navigation pane is collapsed, expand it until you can see the list of available folders and locations.
Step 3: Create a Shortcut
Right-click This PC and select Show More Options > Send To > Desktop (Create Shortcut) in Windows 11.
In Windows 10, simply right-click This PC and select Send To > Desktop (Create Shortcut).
Windows will automatically generate a shortcut on your desktop that opens This PC whenever you double-click it.
Step 4: Verify the Shortcut
Return to your desktop and locate the newly created shortcut.
Double-click the shortcut to confirm that it opens This PC correctly. If it works as expected, the shortcut is ready to use.
Method 3: Drag This PC to the Desktop
Another simple method is dragging the icon directly from File Explorer to the desktop.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Go to Start Menu > File Explorer or press Windows + E.
Wait for the File Explorer window to load completely before proceeding.
Step 2: Find This PC
Go to the left navigation panel and locate This PC.
Ensure the desktop is visible in the background so you can easily drag the icon.
Step 3: Drag and Drop
Click and hold This PC, then drag it onto an empty area of the desktop.
Release the mouse button to create a desktop shortcut. Windows will automatically generate a shortcut icon linked to This PC.
Step 4: Test the Shortcut
Double-click the new shortcut on the desktop to verify that it opens the correct location.
This method is particularly useful for users who prefer a quick visual approach instead of navigating settings menus.
Method 4: Add This PC Through Registry Editor
Advanced users can also restore the This PC icon through the Windows Registry. However, this method should be used carefully because incorrect registry changes can affect system behavior.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
Go to Start Menu > Search > Registry Editor.
Type regedit and press Enter. If prompted by User Account Control, select Yes.
Go to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer > HideDesktopIcons > NewStartPanel
This registry location controls which system icons appear on the desktop.
Step 3: Locate the This PC Entry
Look for the following value:
{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}
This value corresponds to the This PC icon.
Step 4: Modify the Value
Double-click the value and change its data to 0.
A value of 0 displays the icon, while a value of 1 hides it.
Click OK to save the change.
Step 5: Restart Windows Explorer
Go to Task Manager > Processes > Windows Explorer > Restart.
The This PC icon should now appear on the desktop.
What to do When This PC Does Not Appear?
Sometimes the icon may still not appear after following the steps above. Several factors can cause this issue.
First, verify that the Computer checkbox remains enabled in Desktop Icon Settings. Occasionally, theme changes can reset icon preferences.
Second, ensure desktop icons are visible. Right-click the desktop and go to View > Show Desktop Icons. If this option is disabled, none of your desktop icons will appear.
Third, restart your computer. A system restart often resolves temporary display issues and refreshes desktop settings.
Finally, check for pending Windows updates. Outdated system files can occasionally interfere with desktop customization features.
FAQs
Why is the This PC icon missing from my desktop?
Windows 11 and Windows 10 hide several system icons by default to create a cleaner desktop. The icon can be restored through Desktop Icon Settings.
Is ‘This PC’ the same as ‘My Computer’?
Yes. My Computer was the name used in older Windows versions. Microsoft later renamed it Computer and then This PC, but the functionality remains largely the same.
Will adding This PC to the desktop affect system performance?
No. Adding the icon simply creates a shortcut or displays an existing system icon. It does not impact performance, storage, or system resources.
Can I rename the This PC icon?
Yes. Right-click the icon, select Rename, and enter your preferred name. This only changes the display name on your desktop.
Can I remove the icon later?
Yes. Open Desktop Icon Settings and uncheck Computer, then click Apply and OK. The icon will be removed from the desktop.
Does this method work on both Windows 11 and Windows 10?
Yes. The steps are nearly identical in both operating systems, with only minor differences in menu layouts.