Displaying the My Computer icon on your Windows 11 desktop is a straightforward process that involves accessing the personalization settings and tweaking a few options. By following a few simple steps, you can have the icon on your desktop in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial to Display the My Computer Icon on Windows 11 Desktop
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand that the My Computer icon is now referred to as ‘This PC’ in Windows 11. These steps will help you add the ‘This PC’ icon to your desktop, making it easily accessible.
Step 1: Open the Personalization Settings
Open the personalization settings by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting ‘Personalize’.
The personalization settings allow you to customize various aspects of your desktop, including themes, background, colors, and icons.
Step 2: Access the Desktop Icon Settings
In the Settings window, click on ‘Themes’ and then select ‘Desktop icon settings’ found under the ‘Related settings’ section.
The Desktop Icon Settings window is where you can manage which system icons appear on your desktop.
Step 3: Select the ‘This PC’ Icon
In the Desktop Icon Settings window, check the box next to ‘Computer’ and click ‘Apply’, then ‘OK’.
By selecting this option, you are telling Windows 11 to display the ‘This PC’ icon on your desktop.
After completing these steps, you will see the ‘This PC’ icon on your Windows 11 desktop. This allows for quicker access to your files and system information without having to navigate through the start menu or file explorer.
Tips for Displaying the My Computer Icon on Windows 11 Desktop
- Make sure to apply the changes after checking the ‘Computer’ box in the Desktop Icon Settings to ensure the icon appears on your desktop.
- You can also choose to display other system icons such as Network, Recycle Bin, and Control Panel by following similar steps.
- If you prefer a clean desktop, consider pinning the ‘This PC’ icon to the taskbar for quick access without cluttering your desktop.
- Customize the icon by changing its appearance in the Desktop Icon Settings to better match your desktop theme.
- Remember that you can always hide the ‘This PC’ icon again by unchecking the box in the Desktop Icon Settings if you change your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rename the ‘This PC’ icon on my desktop?
Yes, you can rename the ‘This PC’ icon by right-clicking on it and selecting ‘Rename’ from the context menu.
Is it possible to change the icon image for ‘This PC’?
Absolutely, you can change the ‘This PC’ icon to an image of your choice by clicking the ‘Change Icon’ button in the Desktop Icon Settings.
What if the ‘This PC’ icon does not appear after following the steps?
Ensure that you’ve applied the settings after checking the box. If it still doesn’t appear, try refreshing your desktop or restarting your computer.
Can I add other folder shortcuts to the desktop in Windows 11?
Definitely, you can add shortcuts to your desktop by right-clicking on the folder and selecting ‘Send to’ followed by ‘Desktop (create shortcut)’.
Will these steps work on versions of Windows other than 11?
These steps are specific to Windows 11, but similar steps can be followed for previous versions of Windows with slight differences in the settings menus.
Summary
- Open the personalization settings.
- Access the Desktop Icon Settings.
- Select the ‘This PC’ icon.
Conclusion
Having the My Computer icon, or ‘This PC’ as it’s now known, on your desktop can significantly boost your productivity by providing quick access to your files and system properties. The steps outlined in this article are designed to be simple and straightforward, allowing even those who aren’t tech-savvy to customize their Windows 11 desktop to their liking.
Remember, personalization is key to making your computer feel like your own. Don’t be afraid to explore other settings and tweak your system to fit your unique needs. Whether it’s changing the desktop background, adjusting the taskbar, or setting up virtual desktops, Windows 11 offers a plethora of options for personalization.
If you ever feel lost or need more guidance, don’t hesitate to seek out resources or ask for help from the Windows community. With a bit of patience and experimentation, you’ll soon have a desktop environment that not only looks great but also enhances your daily computing experience. So go ahead, show ‘This PC’ some love by giving it a prime spot on your desktop!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
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