Putting an icon on your Windows 11 desktop is super simple and helps you quickly access your favorite programs or files. With a few clicks, you can have your chosen icons right where you need them. Let’s dive into the details!
How to Put Icon on Desktop Windows 11
We’ll be showing you how to add icons to your Windows 11 desktop, which will make it more convenient to access your apps and files. Follow these steps, and you’ll have your desktop looking just the way you want it in no time.
Step 1: Right-click on the Desktop
Right-click anywhere on your desktop where there are no icons.
By right-clicking, you’ll bring up a context menu. This menu is your gateway to all sorts of customization options, including adding icons.
Step 2: Select “Personalize”
From the context menu, click on the “Personalize” option.
This will open the Settings app and take you directly to the customization options for your desktop. Here, you can tweak everything from your wallpaper to theme colors.
Step 3: Click on “Themes”
In the Settings window, select “Themes” from the left-hand sidebar.
Themes control the overall look and feel of your desktop, and this section is also where you can manage desktop icons.
Step 4: Scroll down to “Desktop icon settings”
Within the Themes menu, find and click on the “Desktop icon settings” link.
This will open a small window where you can choose which system icons to display, such as This PC, Recycle Bin, and Network.
Step 5: Check the Boxes for Icons You Want
Check the boxes next to the icons you want to appear on your desktop, then click “Apply.”
Checking these boxes will instantly add the selected icons to your desktop. You can add as many or as few as you like.
Step 6: Add Custom Icons
Drag and drop any shortcut from your Start menu or File Explorer to your desktop.
To add custom program or file icons, you can drag their shortcuts directly from the Start menu or File Explorer to your desktop. This gives you quick access to frequently used items.
After you’ve completed these steps, the icons you selected will appear on your desktop, giving you quick access to your favorite programs or files.
Tips for How to Put Icon on Desktop Windows 11
- Organize Your Icons: Group similar icons together or use desktop folders to keep things tidy.
- Use Shortcuts: Instead of copying files, create shortcuts to save space and avoid duplicates.
- Custom Icons: You can change the icon for any shortcut or folder by right-clicking it, selecting “Properties,” and then “Change Icon.”
- Maintain Minimalism: Only add icons you frequently use to avoid clutter.
- Backup Your Layout: Before making major changes, consider taking a screenshot of your current desktop setup for easy reference later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a shortcut for a program?
Right-click on the program in the Start menu, select “More,” then choose “Open file location.” Right-click the file, select “Send to,” and then “Desktop (create shortcut).”
Can I change the size of desktop icons?
Yes, right-click on the desktop, select “View,” and then choose between Large, Medium, or Small icons.
How do I remove an icon from my desktop?
Simply right-click the icon and select “Delete.” This will remove the shortcut without deleting the actual program or file.
Can I restore default desktop icons?
Yes, go to “Desktop icon settings” and check the boxes for the default icons like This PC, Recycle Bin, etc.
How can I arrange icons automatically?
Right-click on the desktop, select “View,” and then click on “Auto arrange icons.”
Summary
- Right-click on the Desktop.
- Select “Personalize.”
- Click on “Themes.”
- Scroll down to “Desktop icon settings.”
- Check the Boxes for Icons You Want.
- Add Custom Icons.
Conclusion
Adding icons to your Windows 11 desktop is not only easy but also a great way to enhance your productivity. By following the steps we’ve laid out, you can customize your desktop to fit your needs perfectly. Whether you want to keep it minimal or load it up with shortcuts, it’s all up to you.
If you found this guide helpful, why not explore other Windows 11 customization options? You can change your theme, set up virtual desktops, or even customize your Start menu. The possibilities are nearly endless!
So go ahead, give your desktop a makeover, and make your computing experience as smooth and efficient as possible. Happy customizing!
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.