Adding the My Computer icon to your Windows 11 desktop is a quick and easy process that can be completed in just a few steps. Once you do so, you’ll have convenient access to your files, folders, and system properties right from your desktop.
Step by Step Tutorial for Adding My Computer Icon in Windows 11
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re aiming to achieve here. By following the steps below, you’ll add the ‘This PC’ icon, previously known as ‘My Computer’, to your Windows 11 desktop. This will give you a shortcut to access your drives, folders, and system settings.
Step 1: Open Personalization Settings
Right-click on your desktop and select ‘Personalize’.
In this step, you are accessing the settings that control how your desktop looks, including what icons appear on it.
Step 2: Click on Themes
Scroll down in the Personalization settings and click on ‘Themes’.
Themes control the overall appearance of your desktop, including the icon layouts.
Step 3: Go to Desktop Icon Settings
Under the Related settings section, click on the ‘Desktop icon settings’ link.
This opens a new window where you can select which system icons to display on your desktop.
Step 4: Check the ‘Computer’ Box
In the Desktop Icon Settings window, check the box next to ‘Computer’.
By doing this, you’re telling your computer that you want the ‘This PC’ icon to appear on your desktop.
Step 5: Click Apply
After checking the ‘Computer’ box, click on the ‘Apply’ button at the bottom of the window.
This will ensure that the changes you’ve made are saved and applied to your desktop.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll see the ‘This PC’ icon appear on your desktop. This gives you quick access to your system’s drives, folders, and settings.
Tips for Managing the My Computer Icon in Windows 11
- You can rename the ‘This PC’ icon by right-clicking on it and selecting ‘Rename’.
- If you want to change the icon’s appearance, you can do so in the Desktop Icon Settings by selecting the ‘Change Icon’ button.
- Keep your desktop organized by arranging icons into groups or sections based on their purpose or usage.
- You can also add other system icons like the Control Panel or Recycle Bin using the same method.
- To keep your desktop tidy, regularly delete or move unnecessary files and shortcuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove the My Computer icon from the desktop?
Right-click on the desktop, go to ‘Personalize’, then ‘Themes’, and ‘Desktop icon settings’. Uncheck the ‘Computer’ box and click ‘Apply’.
Can I change the icon for My Computer?
Yes, in the Desktop Icon Settings, you can click ‘Change Icon’ to select a new icon for ‘This PC’.
What other icons can I add to my desktop?
Besides ‘This PC’, you can also add icons for the User’s Files, Network, Recycle Bin, and Control Panel.
Why don’t I see the ‘Desktop icon settings’ link in my Themes settings?
Ensure you are on the latest version of Windows 11 and that your system is updated, as this feature may not be available in older versions.
Can I add a My Computer icon to the taskbar instead?
Yes, you can pin ‘This PC’ to the taskbar by opening the File Explorer, right-clicking ‘This PC’, and selecting ‘Pin to taskbar’.
Summary
- Open Personalization Settings
- Click on Themes
- Go to Desktop Icon Settings
- Check the ‘Computer’ Box
- Click Apply
Conclusion
There you have it, a straightforward guide to getting the My Computer icon back on your Windows 11 desktop. It’s a nostalgic touch that also serves a functional purpose, giving you immediate access to your system’s core folders and settings. Remember that personalizing your computer isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about shaping your digital environment to suit your workflow and preferences. With this simple tweak, you can make your desktop more user-friendly and tailored to your needs. If you ever find yourself missing that familiar ‘My Computer’ icon, now you know exactly how to bring it back and make your Windows 11 feel a bit more like home.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.