To show This PC on the Windows 11 desktop, right-click an empty area of the desktop, select Personalize, choose Themes, and open Desktop icon settings. Check Computer, then click Apply and OK. This PC is the Windows 11 name for My Computer, and the icon opens File Explorer to your drives and connected devices.
How to Show This PC on the Desktop in Windows 11
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop, not a file or shortcut.
- Select Personalize.
- Select Themes.
- Scroll down and select Desktop icon settings. A small window opens.
- Check the box next to Computer. Windows still uses the old name in this window, but it adds the This PC icon.
- Click Apply, then OK.
Double-click the new icon to open This PC. These steps match Microsoft’s guide to desktop icons. The same window can add Recycle Bin, Network, User’s Files, and Control Panel. See how to add desktop icons in Windows 11 for the rest.
Where Is My Computer in Windows 11?
My Computer became Computer in Windows Vista and This PC in Windows 8.1. It’s the same feature: a view of your internal drives, USB drives, external hard drives, and network locations. Windows 11 just doesn’t put it on the desktop by default.
What to Do If This PC Still Doesn’t Appear
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Select View.
- Make sure Show desktop icons is checked.
When Show desktop icons is off, Windows hides every icon on the desktop without deleting them. You can also remove individual app icons from the desktop without uninstalling the apps. The same Desktop icon settings window also lets you remove the Recycle Bin from the desktop.
Desktop Icon Settings Is Grayed Out or Won’t Open
If Windows isn’t activated, the Personalization pages in Settings are locked. You can still open the Desktop Icon Settings window directly:
- Press Windows key + R to open Run.
- Type the command below and press Enter.
desk.cpl ,,5- Check Computer, then click Apply and OK.
On a work or school PC, your IT department may block desktop changes. To activate Windows, see legal ways to activate Windows 11.
How to Open This PC Without a Desktop Icon
- Keyboard: press Windows key + E to open File Explorer, then select This PC in the left pane.
- Search: open Start, type This PC, and press Enter.
- Pin to Start: in File Explorer, right-click This PC in the left pane and select Pin to Start.
Make File Explorer Open to This PC
- Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
- Select the three dots (See more) on the toolbar, then Options.
- On the General tab, set Open File Explorer to to This PC.
- Click OK.
Our File Explorer guide covers more settings like this one.
After checking your drives in This PC, you can choose a different default save drive in Windows 11. App-specific save folders and OneDrive backup use separate controls.
Create a Regular This PC Shortcut
The Desktop Icon Settings method adds the built-in system icon, which is the simplest option. If you want a normal shortcut you can move into a folder or give a custom icon, create one:
- Right-click the desktop and select New > Shortcut.
- Paste the location below and click Next.
explorer.exe shell:MyComputerFolder- Name it This PC or My Computer, then click Finish.
For other kinds of shortcuts, see how to create a desktop shortcut in Windows 11.
Rename or Remove the This PC Icon
- To rename it, right-click the This PC icon, select Rename (or press F2), type My Computer, and press Enter.
- To remove it, go back to Personalize > Themes > Desktop icon settings, clear Computer, and click Apply and OK.
Removing the icon doesn’t delete files or disconnect drives. It only takes the icon off the desktop.
Show the Desktop Without Closing Your Apps
Press Windows + D to reveal the Windows 11 desktop while your apps remain open. Press the shortcut again to restore their windows. This is useful for reaching the This PC icon you added; it does not add or remove any desktop icons. You can also minimize windows individually. Microsoft’s Windows keyboard-shortcut reference documents the show-and-hide desktop shortcut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Computer the same as This PC?
Yes. My Computer is the older name. In Windows 11, the same feature is called This PC.
Why does the checkbox say Computer instead of This PC?
The Desktop Icon Settings window still uses the older label. Checking Computer adds the This PC icon.
Why is a drive missing from This PC?
The desktop icon only opens This PC. If a drive is missing, Windows may not detect it or it may not have a drive letter. See how to open a USB drive in Windows 11 for fixes.
Can themes change the This PC icon?
Yes. By default, themes can change desktop icons. Clear Allow themes to change desktop icons in Desktop Icon Settings to keep your current icons.
Related guides: how to open Control Panel and how to empty the Recycle Bin.
Prefer File Explorer’s Home page? See how to use Quick access in Windows 11. If your whole desktop looks wrong, see how to get back to the normal desktop in Windows 11.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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