How to Show "This PC" on the Desktop in Windows

The "This PC" icon on the desktop is a convenient shortcut that provides quick access to your computer's drives, folders, and system settings. However, in some versions of Windows, this icon may not be visible by default. If you're wondering how to display the "This PC" icon on your desktop, this guide will walk you through the steps for various versions of Windows, including Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Why Show "This PC" on the Desktop?

Before diving into the steps, let’s briefly discuss why you might want to have the "This PC" icon on your desktop:

1. Quick Access to Drives: It allows you to easily access your local drives (C:, D:, etc.) and external storage devices.
2. System Tools: You can quickly access system tools like Device Manager, Disk Management, and Control Panel.
3. File Management: It simplifies file management by providing a central location for all your storage devices.
4. Customization: Adding "This PC" to your desktop can make your workspace feel more personalized and functional.

Steps to Show "This PC" on the Desktop

The process varies slightly depending on your version of Windows. Below, we’ll cover the steps for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

For Windows 10

Method 1: Using Desktop Icon Settings

1. Right-click on the Desktop:

   • Navigate to an empty area on your desktop and right-click.

2. Select "Personalize":

   • From the context menu, click on Personalize.

3. Go to Themes:

   • In the left-hand menu, select Themes.

4. Click on "Desktop Icon Settings":

   • Scroll down and click on Desktop icon settings under the "Related Settings" section.

5. Check "Computer":

   • In the Desktop Icon Settings window, check the box next to Computer (this is labeled as "This PC" in newer versions).

6. Apply and OK:

   • Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

7. Check Your Desktop:

   • The "This PC" icon should now appear on your desktop.

Method 2: Using File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer:

   • Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

2. Right-click on "This PC":

   • In the left-hand pane, right-click on This PC.

3. Select "Show on Desktop":

   • From the context menu, click on Show on Desktop.

4. Check Your Desktop:

   • The "This PC" icon should now be visible on your desktop.

For Windows 11

Method 1: Using Personalization Settings

1. Right-click on the Desktop:

   • Navigate to an empty area on your desktop and right-click.

2. Select "Personalize":

   • From the context menu, click on Personalize.

3. Go to Themes:

   • In the left-hand menu, select Themes.

4. Click on "Desktop Icon Settings":

   • Scroll down and click on Desktop icon settings under the "Related Settings" section.

5. Check "Computer":

   • In the Desktop Icon Settings window, check the box next to Computer (this is labeled as "This PC" in newer versions).

6. Apply and OK:

   • Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

7. Check Your Desktop:

   • The "This PC" icon should now appear on your desktop.

Method 2: Using File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer:

   • Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

2. Right-click on "This PC":

   • In the left-hand pane, right-click on This PC.

3. Select "Show More Options":

   • If you don’t see the "Show on Desktop" option, click Show more options in the context menu.

4. Select "Show on Desktop":

   • From the expanded menu, click on Show on Desktop.

5. Check Your Desktop:

   • The "This PC" icon should now be visible on your desktop.

For Older Versions of Windows (Windows 7 and 8)

If you’re using an older version of Windows, the process is similar to Windows 10:

1. Right-click on the Desktop:

   • Navigate to an empty area on your desktop and right-click.

2. Select "Personalize":

   • From the context menu, click on Personalize.

3. Go to "Change Desktop Icons":

   • In the left-hand menu, click on Change desktop icons.

4. Check "Computer":

   • In the Desktop Icon Settings window, check the box next to Computer.

5. Apply and OK:

   • Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

6. Check Your Desktop:

   • The "This PC" icon should now appear on your desktop.

Troubleshooting Tips

If the "This PC" icon still doesn’t appear after following the steps above, try these troubleshooting tips:

1. Restart Your Computer:

   • Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve the issue.

2. Check for Updates:

   • Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.

3. Run the Desktop Icon Troubleshooter:

   • Windows has a built-in troubleshooter for desktop icons. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters and run the Desktop Icon Troubleshooter.

4. Check Group Policy Settings (For Advanced Users):

   • If you’re using Windows Pro or Enterprise, the "This PC" icon might be disabled via Group Policy. To check:
     • Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
     • Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Desktop.
     • Ensure that the Hide and disable all items on the desktop policy is set to Not Configured.

5. Create a Shortcut Manually:

   • If all else fails, you can create a manual shortcut:
     • Open File Explorer and navigate to This PC.
     • Right-click on This PC and select Create shortcut.
     • Move the shortcut to your desktop.

Conclusion

Displaying the "This PC" icon on your desktop is a simple yet effective way to enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow. Whether you’re using Windows 10, Windows 11, or an older version of Windows, the steps are straightforward and can be completed in just a few clicks. If you encounter any issues, the troubleshooting tips provided should help you resolve them quickly.

By adding "This PC" to your desktop, you’ll have quick access to your files, drives, and system tools, making your computing experience more efficient and enjoyable.