How to Put Icon on Desktop Windows 11 — A Step-by-Step Guide

Want your favorite apps, folders, or system icons on your Windows 11 desktop? You’re not alone. Many users love having quick access to important shortcuts right on their desktop. Whether you want to add This PC, Recycle Bin, Control Panel, or custom app shortcuts, this guide will show you exactly how to put icons on your Windows 11 desktop — step by step.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything — from enabling default system icons to creating custom shortcuts and organizing your desktop like a pro.

What Does “Putting Icons on Desktop” Mean?

When you put an icon on your desktop, you’re essentially creating a shortcut to open a file, app, or location directly from your desktop — without digging through menus or folders.

Think of it as pinning your favorite tools where you can easily see and click them.

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💡 Why You Might Want Icons on Your Desktop

Here’s why adding icons to your desktop can make your workflow smoother:

• ⚡ Quick access to apps and files

• 📁 Easy organization for projects or daily tasks

• 🧭 Better navigation between system settings and folders

• 🎨 Personalized look — make your desktop reflect your style

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🗂️ Different Types of Icons You Can Add

Windows 11 lets you add various types of icons:

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🧱 How to Show or Hide Desktop Icons in Windows 11

Sometimes icons disappear from your desktop because they’re hidden. Here’s how to show them again:

🪄 Step-by-Step:

1. Right-click on any blank area of your desktop.

2. Hover over View.

3. Check the option Show desktop icons.

4. If unchecked, click it to make your icons visible.

✅ Tip: If your icons vanish suddenly, this is often the first thing to check.

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🖥️ How to Put System Icons (This PC, Recycle Bin, etc.) on Desktop

Windows 11 hides system icons by default, but you can easily bring them back.

🪜 Steps:

1. Open Settings (press Windows + I).

2. Navigate to Personalization → Themes.

3. Scroll down and click Desktop icon settings.

4. In the new window, select the icons you want:

   • ✅ Computer (This PC)

   • ✅ Recycle Bin

   • ✅ Control Panel

   • ✅ Network

5. Click Apply, then OK.

Your selected icons will now appear on your desktop.

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📱 How to Add App Icons to Desktop

Want to quickly open Chrome or Spotify from your desktop? Here’s how:

🪜 Method 1: From the Start Menu

1. Click Start and find your app.

2. Right-click the app.

3. Choose More → Open file location.

4. Right-click the app shortcut → Send to → Desktop (create shortcut).

🪜 Method 2: From File Explorer

1. Navigate to the app’s .exe file (usually in C:\Program Files).

2. Right-click it → Send to → Desktop (create shortcut).

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📂 How to Add Folder Shortcuts to Desktop

If you frequently access certain folders (like Projects or Downloads), you can create shortcuts.

Steps:

1. Locate your folder in File Explorer.

2. Right-click it.

3. Choose Send to → Desktop (create shortcut).

4. You’ll now see a folder shortcut on your desktop.

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⚙️ How to Create a Custom Shortcut in Windows 11

You can create a shortcut for any command, URL, or file manually.

Steps:

1. Right-click on your desktop → New → Shortcut.

2. Enter the path or command (e.g., https://www.google.com).

3. Click Next → Name your shortcut.

4. Click Finish.

You can even change its icon:

• Right-click the shortcut → Properties → Change Icon → choose or browse for a new one.

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🧭 How to Restore Missing Icons on Desktop

If your icons suddenly disappear, try these fixes:

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🧩 How to Reorganize and Arrange Desktop Icons

You can arrange icons your way — alphabetically, by type, or manually.

Options:

• Right-click → View → Auto arrange icons

• Sort by → Name / Type / Date modified / Size

• Drag icons manually to organize by category

💡 Pro Tip: Create folders like “Work,” “Games,” and “Tools” to group related shortcuts neatly.

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🔍 How to Change Icon Size and Spacing

Prefer larger or smaller icons?

1. Right-click desktop → View.

2. Choose Large icons, Medium icons, or Small icons.

3. You can also hold Ctrl and scroll your mouse wheel to resize icons dynamically.

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🎨 How to Customize Icon Appearance

Make your desktop unique!

• Right-click an icon → Properties → Change Icon

• Choose from built-in icons or browse to upload custom .ico files

• Apply and enjoy your personalized desktop look

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🪟 How to Use the “Show Desktop” Feature

Need to quickly minimize everything?
Press Windows + D to show or hide the desktop instantly — perfect for quick access to your icons.

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⚠️ Common Problems and Fixes

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🧹 Tips to Keep Your Desktop Organized

• 🗂️ Use folders to group similar apps

• 💾 Avoid clutter — keep only important shortcuts

• 🌈 Customize icons for visual clarity

• ⏱️ Regularly clean old or unused icons

• 📁 Sync desktop shortcuts with OneDrive if needed

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🏁 Conclusion: Putting Icons on Your Windows 11 Desktop Is Easy!

By now, you’ve learned how to show, add, and customize desktop icons in Windows 11 — whether it’s system shortcuts, folders, or your favorite apps.

A well-organized desktop not only boosts productivity but also makes your computer feel more personal and efficient.

So go ahead — put those icons where you want them, personalize your desktop, and make Windows 11 truly yours! 🌟

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🔑 Key Takeaways

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❓ FAQs

1. How do I put the Recycle Bin icon on my desktop in Windows 11?

Go to Settings → Personalization → Themes → Desktop icon settings, then check Recycle Bin.

2. How can I create a shortcut for a website?

Right-click your desktop → New → Shortcut → enter the website URL → click Next → name it.

3. Why did my desktop icons disappear?

They may be hidden. Right-click your desktop → View → Show desktop icons.

4. Can I use custom icons for apps?

Yes. Right-click a shortcut → Properties → Change Icon → browse and choose your custom .ico file.

5. How do I organize desktop icons automatically?

Right-click your desktop → View → Auto arrange icons or Sort by → Name/Type.