How To Add This PC Icon To Your Desktop In Windows 11
As a Windows user, you've probably noticed that the "This PC" icon (formerly known as "My Computer") isn't automatically displayed on your desktop after installing Windows 11. This change from previous Windows versions has left many users searching for ways to quickly access their drives, folders, and connected devices. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through multiple methods to add the This PC icon back to your desktop, ensuring you can streamline your access to essential system resources.
Understanding the This PC Icon in Windows 11
The This PC icon serves as a central hub in Windows 11, providing quick access to your system's drives, folders, and devices. It functions as a modern replacement for the traditional My Computer, offering a more streamlined interface for navigating your computer's storage and connected peripherals. While it doesn't appear on the desktop by default in Windows 10 and Windows 11, having this icon readily available can significantly improve your workflow efficiency.
Why You Might Want the This PC Icon on Your Desktop
Having the This PC icon on your desktop offers several advantages. First, it provides one-click access to all your drives, including hard disks, external storage devices, and network locations. Second, it gives you immediate visibility into your system's storage capacity and usage. Third, it allows for quick navigation to major folders like Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and Videos without having to open File Explorer first.
Method 1: Using Desktop Icon Settings
The most straightforward way to add the This PC icon to your desktop is through the Desktop Icon Settings tool. Here's how to do it:
- Right-click on an empty area of your desktop
- Select "Personalize" from the context menu
- In the Personalization window, click on "Themes" in the left sidebar
- Scroll down and click on "Desktop icon settings"
- In the Desktop Icon Settings window, check the box next to "Computer" (This PC)
- Click "Apply" and then "OK"
Once "this pc" icon is added back to desktop, you will be able to gain quick access to hard disk, storage drives, network locations and major folders like documents, downloads, music, and more. This method is particularly useful for users who prefer a visual approach to system customization.
Method 2: Creating a Desktop Shortcut
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can create a desktop shortcut for This PC manually:
- Open File Explorer by searching, using the Windows logo + E hotkey, or clicking its icon in the taskbar
- In the navigation pane of File Explorer (also called left pane), click on "This PC"
- Right-click on the "This PC" entry and select "Create shortcut"
- Windows will prompt you that the shortcut can't be created in File Explorer
- Click "Yes" to place the shortcut on your desktop
This method gives you more control over the shortcut's properties and allows you to customize its appearance if desired.
Method 3: Using the Run Command
For users who prefer keyboard shortcuts, you can use the Run command to quickly access This PC settings:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog
- Type "control desktop" and press Enter
- In the Desktop Items window, check the box next to "Computer"
- Click "Apply" and then "OK"
This method is particularly useful for power users who frequently need to modify desktop icon settings.
Method 4: Adding This PC to the Start Menu
If you prefer to keep your desktop clean but still want quick access to This PC, consider pinning it to the Start Menu:
- Open File Explorer
- In the navigation pane, right-click on "This PC"
- Select "Pin to Start" from the context menu
This approach keeps This PC easily accessible while maintaining a clutter-free desktop environment.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While adding the This PC icon to your desktop is generally straightforward, some users may encounter issues. Here are solutions to common problems:
Issue: The This PC option is grayed out in Desktop Icon Settings
This can occur if your system files are corrupted or if you're using a customized Windows theme. Try restarting your computer and repeating the process. If the issue persists, you may need to run the System File Checker tool to repair any corrupted system files.
Issue: The desktop icon disappears after a Windows update
Windows updates sometimes reset personalization settings. If your This PC icon disappears after an update, simply repeat the process of adding it through Desktop Icon Settings.
Issue: The This PC shortcut doesn't work
If the shortcut you created manually doesn't function properly, delete it and recreate it using one of the methods outlined above. Ensure you're creating the shortcut from the correct location in File Explorer.
Advanced Customization Options
Once you've successfully added the This PC icon to your desktop, you might want to customize its appearance or behavior:
Changing the Icon
- Right-click on the This PC desktop icon
- Select "Properties"
- Click on the "Shortcut" tab
- Click "Change Icon"
- Browse to select a different icon or use a custom icon file
Adjusting Icon Size
If you prefer larger or smaller icons on your desktop:
- Right-click on an empty area of your desktop
- Select "View"
- Choose from "Large icons," "Medium icons," or "Small icons"
Organizing Multiple Icons
If you have multiple icons on your desktop, you can organize them for better accessibility:
- Right-click on an empty area of your desktop
- Hover over "Sort by"
- Choose how you want to organize your icons (name, size, item type, or date modified)
Benefits of Having This PC on Your Desktop
Adding the This PC icon to your desktop offers numerous benefits that can enhance your Windows 11 experience:
Quick Access to System Information: With a single click, you can view your system's storage capacity, available space, and connected devices.
Efficient File Management: The This PC interface provides a clear overview of all your drives and folders, making file organization and management more straightforward.
Reduced Navigation Time: Instead of opening File Explorer and navigating through multiple folders, you can access your most important directories directly from the desktop.
Better System Monitoring: Having This PC readily available makes it easier to monitor your storage usage and identify when you need to clean up or expand your storage capacity.
Alternative Methods for Quick Access
While adding the This PC icon to your desktop is convenient, there are other ways to quickly access this important system feature:
Using Taskbar Pin
- Open File Explorer
- Right-click on "This PC" in the navigation pane
- Select "Pin to taskbar"
This method keeps This PC accessible with a single click from your taskbar, which is particularly useful if you prefer a minimalist desktop.
Keyboard Shortcuts
For the fastest access, remember these keyboard shortcuts:
- Windows + E: Opens File Explorer with This PC selected
- Windows + Pause/Break: Opens System Properties (similar information to This PC)
Conclusion
Adding the This PC icon to your Windows 11 desktop is a simple yet effective way to improve your productivity and system accessibility. Whether you choose to use the Desktop Icon Settings tool, create a manual shortcut, or pin This PC to your Start Menu or taskbar, having quick access to your system's drives and folders can significantly streamline your workflow.
By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can customize your Windows 11 experience to better suit your needs and preferences. Remember that Windows offers multiple ways to accomplish the same task, so feel free to experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you.
The This PC icon remains an essential tool for Windows users, providing a centralized location for managing your computer's resources. By making it readily accessible on your desktop, you're taking a simple step that can have a meaningful impact on your daily computing experience.
