Share this article
Improve this guide
Desktop Icons Not Showing: How to Get Them Back
Encompassing solutions that will help you get your icons back
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 23, 2023
updated onOctober 23, 2023
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
Windows 10 is a stunning OS with a series of excellent features. However, it is not a perfect machine, with many users reporting that the desktop icons are not showing.
This can be frustrating, but it is not an issue that is unheard of, just like thedesktop icons blank issue. You can quickly fix it by applying the solutions in this detailed guide.
Why did my icons disappear from my desktop on Windows 10?
What can I do if my desktop icons are not showing?
1. Make sure the ShowDesktopicons feature is enabled
If theWindows 11 desktop icons are not refreshing, read this dedicated guide to sort it out.
2. Change the Desktop icon settings
3. Rebuild the icon cache
One of the most common tweaks when resolving the missing desktop icons on Windows 10 is rebuilding the cache. It is always effective in fixing these issues. So, you should try it.
4. Disable the tablet mode
One of the factors that make the desktop icons not toshow properly on Windows 10 is the tablet mode. Users have been able to fix this issue simply by disabling this feature. So, you should try it too.
Although it may sound banal, it’s quite possible you overlooked this. So, to be sure, check if your Desktop icons are set to appear once again.
5. Run explorer.exe
The explorer.exe process is important for smoothly running your apps and processes. If it is a problem, your desktop icons might not be showing on Windows 10. The solution here is to restart the program.
6. Move the desktop folder from OneDrive
Sometimes, your PC might get too clever and move all the contents of the Desktop to OneDrive. This can be why your Desktop icons are not showing on Windows 10. The solution to this is to copy the contents out.
7. Disable the second monitor
If you’ve used a dual monitor setup before, desktop icons may be set to appear on the second monitor. So, disable the second monitor if you’re not using it, and repeat solution 4.
Your icons should appear again.
8. Perform a system restore
If you noticed that your icons are missing after making some changes to your PC, you need to restore your device to when everything is working well.
With this, we can conclude this guide on how to fix your desktop icons if they are not showing on Windows 10. All you need to do now is to follow the instructions to the letter, and things should be back to normal.
Still, on icons, you may want toget rid of the shortcut arrows in Windows 11so check out our guide on how to do it.
If yourDesktop icons are flashing, you can check our detailed guide dedicated to the issue to fix it quickly. Also, find out how tosave the desktop layoutand restore it anytime.
In the comments below, let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue.
More about the topics:icon,System Errors
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
User forum
2 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
