Share this article
Improve this guide
Desktop Icons Blank: 5 Fixes to Use if They Aren’t Showing
Check out some easy ways to get your missing icons
3 min. read
Updated onMarch 22, 2024
updated onMarch 22, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Some users have posted on Microsoft’s support forum about blank desktop icons. For those users, the Windows 10 desktop displays blank, white icons instead of software icons. Today’s guide will explore this issue and discuss how to fix blank icons in Windows 10.
Why do my desktop icons have no picture?
Regarding this problem, we have gathered users’ more common causes. These include:
In some instances,Windows icons are not showing, but this issue can be quickly resolved by following the instructions from this guide.
Note that these solutions will work if the desktop icons show a blank page, blank squares, and for cases of Steam desktop icons blank, OneDrive desktop icons blank, and more.
How can I fix blank desktop icons?
1. Manually change icons
2. Run DISM and System File Checker scans
Also, you can use a tool to run this scan more thoroughly. Using aspecialized toolis faster and will repair damaged or corrupted files.
3. Rebuild the icon cache
This process will automatically rebuild the icon cache and restore your icons, so the problem should be solved.
4. Disable the tablet mode
5. Restart Windows Explorer
This procedure will reload the icon cache from File Explorer and its components. Consequently, your desktop icons should return to their original colors.
The above resolutions are among the most likely fixes for blank desktop icons. Many users have been able to fix desktop icons with the System File Checker or by rebuilding the icon cache.
If any of youricons are corrupted, check out our detailed guide on the topic. And do not forget to go through some easy ways tosave the desktop layout in Windows.
If these fixes aren’t enough to resolve the problem, we recommend that youtry restoring or resetting Windows 10.
Let us know which solution worked for you in the comments area below.
More about the topics:Windows 10 desktop icons
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
User forum
4 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
