How to Fix Desktop Icons Missing Problem on Windows 10/11

The desktop shortcut is the quickest way to access system folders and crucial files in Windows 10. In Windows 10, the operating system automatically generates a desktop shortcut for easier access whenever you install new software.

Nevertheless, damage in system files or other problems might occasionally cause the desktop icons in Windows 10/11 to vanish. Recently, a lot of Windows users have complained that their desktop icons are missing or have vanished.

You won't see any Desktop icons if you recently upgraded to Windows 10 unless you manually install them. If the desktop icons are gone, though, there are a few steps you need to take to get them back.

Also read: Download Windows 11 ISO Files Without Media Creation Tool

How to Solve Windows 10/11's Missing Desktop Icons Issue

Therefore, we'll go over some of the best ways to fix Windows desktop icon missing in this article. Let's have a look.

1) Activate Desktop Icon Visibility

Check to see if your desktop icons are visible before attempting any other methods. To make desktop icons visible, simply follow a few of the easy instructions below.

1. First, right-click on a space on the screen, and select the View option.

2. From the list of options, verify if the Show desktop icons have been marked as checked. If it’s not, click on the Show desktop icons to make the icons visible again.

 You are done. Now, you will see all desktop icons.

2) Enable Desktop Icons from System Settings

If you recently switched to Windows 10 and cannot find the desktop icons, you need to implement the steps below. Here’s how you can enable desktop icons from settings.

First, right-click anywhere on your desktop and click on the Personalise option.

2. On the left pane, click on the Themes option.

3. Click on the Desktop icon settings option on the right pane.

4. On the Desktop icon settings, enable the icons you want to see on your desktop.

That’s it! You are done. This is how you can restore missing icons on Windows 10.

3) Disable the Tablet Mode

Many users have reported that having Tablet mode enabled created problems with the desktop icons. Some have reported that they cannot find the File Explorer icon as well. To disable tablet mode on Windows 10, follow the steps given below.

1. Open Settings on your Windows 10 and the System option.

2. On the System, click on the Tablet option.

3. Click on the Change additional tablet settings option on the right.

4. On the next page, disable the toggle for Tablet Mode.

That’s it! You are done. This is how you can disable tablet mode in Windows 10.

4) Restart the Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer process is responsible for handling the GUI of various utilities, including the desktop. If this process encounters a problem, the desktop icon may go missing. Here’s how to fix desktop icon missing Windows issue by restarting the Windows Explorer.

Open Task Manager and switch to the Processes tab.

Right click on the Windows Explorer.

On the Context menu, select Restart.

That’s it! This will restart the Windows Explorer process and will fix the Windows Desktop icon missing issue.

5) Rebuild Icon Cache

Sometimes, outdated or corrupted icon cache also creates problems with the display of desktop icons. So, in this method, we will rebuild the icon cache. Follow some of the simple steps given below.

1. First, open File Explorer on your Windows 10 PC.

2. Click the View tab and enable the Hidden Items option on the File Explorer.

3. Next, navigate to the C:\Users\Your Username\AppData\Local. On the local folder, search for IconCache.db file.

4. You need to delete this file from this folder. Also, make sure to clear the recycle bin as well.

5. Once done, restart your Windows 10 computer to rebuild the icon cache.

That’s it! You are done. Windows 10 will rebuild the icon cache during the restart, probably fixing the missing icons problem.

6) Check the Group Policy Settings

On the Local Group Policy editor, you can hide and disable all items on the desktop. So, if the Windows desktop icon is still missing on Windows 11, you need to check the Group Policy Settings. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Type Local Group Policy on Windows Search. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.

2. Now navigate to the User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Desktop.

3. Double-click on the Hide and disable all items on the desktop policy.

4. On the next screen, select Not Configured or Disable and click on Apply.

That’s it! Now close the Local Group Policy Editor and restart your Windows computer. This should fix the missing desktop icons Windows issue.

7) Fix Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can occasionally lead to issues with desktop icons as well. Thus, you should use the System File Checker tool if faulty system files are the cause of missing desktop icons.

We have provided a thorough tutorial on repairing corrupted files on Windows 10. The procedures to swiftly repair corrupted system files are easy to follow.

8) Restore the system.

You can utilize a System Restore point that you currently have available to return your device's settings to as they were when it was functioning properly. Here's how to return Windows to a previous version using System Restore.

Type in System Restore on the Windows Search

Select the option to Create a Restore Point now.

Navigate to the System Protection tab in the System Properties.

Select the System Restore option, then click Next in the ensuing dialog box.

After choosing the preferred restore point, press the Next button.

In order to finish the system restoration process, you must now adhere to the on-screen directions. It can take a few minutes to finish the procedure.

These are therefore the most effective ways to fix Windows desktop icon loss.