Windows 11 brings a modern and minimal design, but sometimes, the desktop can feel a little too clean. If you’re someone who likes quick access to important apps, files, or system shortcuts, knowing how to add icons to your desktop is a must.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through all the ways to add icons on your Windows 11 desktop—whether it’s system icons like This PC and Recycle Bin or app shortcuts you use daily.
Why Add Icons on Desktop in Windows 11?
Before diving into the steps, let’s quickly see why desktop icons are still useful in 2025:
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Quick access to frequently used apps and files.
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Better organization of your workspace.
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Personalization of your desktop layout.
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Saves time instead of searching every time in Start Menu.
Think of it as pinning your most-used tools right where you can grab them instantly.
Method 1: Add System Icons (This PC, Recycle Bin, Control Panel)
Windows 11 hides most system icons by default, but you can easily bring them back.
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app.
Step 2: Go to Personalization
In the left sidebar, click Personalization, then select Themes.
Step 3: Access Desktop Icon Settings
Scroll down and click Desktop icon settings under Related settings.
Step 4: Choose Icons
Check the boxes for the icons you want (e.g., This PC, Recycle Bin, Network, Control Panel, User’s Files).
Step 5: Apply Changes
Click Apply > OK, and the icons will appear on your desktop.
Method 2: Add App Shortcuts to Desktop
Want your favorite apps right on the desktop? Here’s how:
Step 1: Open Start Menu
Click the Start button (Windows logo) on the taskbar.
Step 2: Find the App
Search or scroll to the app you want.
Step 3: Create Shortcut
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Right-click the app.
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Select More > Open file location.
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In the new window, right-click the app shortcut → Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
Done! The app now has a shortcut on your desktop.
Method 3: Drag and Drop Apps to Desktop
If the “Open file location” option feels too long, here’s a quicker way:
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Open Start Menu.
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Drag the app icon directly from Start Menu and drop it on the desktop.
Simple and fast!
Method 4: Add File or Folder Icons to Desktop
You can also place your important files or folders directly on the desktop.
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Locate the file or folder in File Explorer.
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Right-click → Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).
This keeps your work documents or projects just a click away.
Method 5: Add Website Shortcuts to Desktop
Do you often visit the same websites? Why not turn them into desktop icons?
Step 1: Open Your Browser
Go to the website you want.
Step 2: Create Shortcut
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In Chrome or Edge, click the three-dot menu.
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Select More tools > Create shortcut (or Pin to desktop in Edge).
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Confirm, and the site shortcut will appear on your desktop.
It’s like having your favorite websites as mini apps.
Method 6: Using Right-Click Menu for New Shortcuts
Another versatile way is creating a new shortcut manually.
Step 1: Right-Click on Desktop
Choose New > Shortcut.
Step 2: Enter Path
Type the file path, program location, or website URL.
Example:
Step 3: Name the Shortcut
Give it a friendly name and click Finish.
Now you’ve got a custom desktop icon.
Method 7: Restore Missing Desktop Icons
If your desktop icons disappeared, here’s how to bring them back:
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Right-click on the desktop.
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Hover over View.
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Make sure Show desktop icons is checked.
Problem solved!
Method 8: Organize and Personalize Desktop Icons
Adding icons is great, but organization makes it better:
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Right-click desktop > View > Auto arrange icons for neat alignment.
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Sort by (name, size, date modified) to arrange logically.
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Use folders on desktop to group similar shortcuts.
Your desktop will look tidy instead of messy.
Common Problems When Adding Desktop Icons
1. Option Missing in Right-Click Menu
This usually happens if Group Policy or Registry tweaks are applied. Restoring defaults can fix it.
2. Desktop Icons Not Appearing After Restart
Check if Windows 11 is in Tablet Mode, which hides icons by default.
3. Website Shortcut Not Opening in Browser
Re-check default browser settings under Settings > Apps > Default apps.
Tips for Smarter Desktop Use
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Don’t overload your desktop—it can slow performance.
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Pin rarely used apps to Taskbar instead.
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Use Folders + Shortcuts for a clean workspace.
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Combine with Virtual Desktops for better productivity.
Conclusion
Adding icons on your Windows 11 desktop is all about convenience and personalization. Whether it’s system icons like This PC, app shortcuts, or even quick website links, the process is simple once you know where to look. With these methods, you’ll have a desktop that’s not only functional but also tailored to your workflow.
FAQs
Q1: Why can’t I see any icons on my Windows 11 desktop?
Most likely, desktop icons are hidden. Right-click on the desktop → View → enable Show desktop icons.
Q2: Can I add Control Panel to the desktop in Windows 11?
Yes. Go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings and check Control Panel.
Q3: How do I create a desktop shortcut for a website?
In Chrome/Edge, go to the site → click menu → More tools > Create shortcut.
Q4: Can I change the size of desktop icons?
Yes. Right-click desktop → View → choose Small, Medium, or Large icons.
Q5: Is there a way to automatically organize desktop icons?
Yes. Right-click desktop → View > Auto arrange icons or Sort by for structured alignment.