Adding this PC to your desktop in Windows 11 makes it easier to access your device’s properties, network locations, and shared resources directly from your desktop. This feature is especially useful for users who frequently need quick access to their PC’s details or want to personalize their workspace. Before starting, ensure your Windows 11 system is up to date and you have administrator privileges, as some settings may require admin access. This guide will walk you through each step clearly and practically, so you can customize your desktop to suit your workflow efficiently.
What You’ll Need
- A Windows 11 PC with administrator rights
- Basic familiarity with Windows settings
- Optional: A personalized desktop background for better visibility
Step-by-Step
- Open Settings: Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) and select the gear-shaped Settings icon. Alternatively, press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings directly.
- Navigate to Personalization: In the Settings window, click on “Personalization” from the sidebar menu. This section controls the appearance and desktop options for Windows 11.
- Access Themes Settings: Within Personalization, select “Themes” from the options listed. Here, you will find options related to desktop icons and themes.
- Open Desktop Icon Settings: Scroll down and click on “Desktop icon settings” under the “Related Settings” section. This opens a new window where you can choose which icons appear on your desktop.
- Select ‘Computer’ (This PC): In the Desktop Icon Settings window, check the box next to “Computer” (or “This PC”). This adds the icon representing your PC to the desktop.
- Apply and Confirm: Click “Apply” then “OK” to save your changes. The This PC icon should now appear directly on your desktop.
- Optional – Customize Icon Appearance: If you want to change the icon image, right-click on the This PC icon, select “Properties,” then click “Change Icon”. Choose a new icon and confirm to personalize it further.
- Verify the Addition: Minimize or close Settings, then look at your desktop. You should see the This PC icon, which provides quick access to your device’s storage and system information.
Common Mistakes
- Not opening the Desktop Icon Settings window properly — ensure you navigate through Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings.
- Forgetting to click “Apply” after selecting icons — changes won’t take effect until you do so.
- Attempting to add icons without administrator rights — some options may be restricted without proper permissions.
- Confusing ‘This PC’ with other desktop icons — ensure you select the correct icon in the settings.
- Not refreshing the desktop — sometimes, you may need to refresh or restart Explorer to see changes.
Tips
- Pin important folders or shortcuts to your desktop for quicker access alongside This PC.
- Use personalized icons for better visual identification of your desktop items.
- Create a backup of your desktop layout before making significant changes, especially if you customize icons heavily.
- Combine this feature with taskbar pinning for an optimized workflow.
- Regularly update Windows 11 to ensure all personalization features work smoothly.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues adding This PC to your desktop:
- Icon not appearing after changes: Restart your PC or restart Windows Explorer. To restart Explorer, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find “Windows Explorer,” right-click, and select “Restart.”
- Settings option is greyed out or unavailable: Ensure you have administrator rights. Log in as an administrator or contact your system administrator.
- Changes don’t persist after reboot: Check for Windows updates. Sometimes, system bugs can interfere with personalization options, which updates can fix.
- Unable to select ‘Computer’ in Desktop Icon Settings: Verify your system supports this feature and that your user account has permission to modify desktop icons.
- If the icon is missing or corrupted: Try resetting your icon cache. Search for “File Explorer” options, then clear icon cache files manually or using a dedicated utility.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I add multiple desktop icons for different drives or folders?
Yes, you can add various icons like Network, Recycle Bin, or custom folders by selecting their respective options in Desktop Icon Settings or creating shortcuts manually.
2. How do I remove the This PC icon from my desktop?
Go back to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings, uncheck “Computer” (This PC), then click “Apply” and “OK.” The icon will disappear from your desktop.
3. Is it possible to change the icon for This PC?
Yes, right-click the icon, select “Properties,” then click “Change Icon”. Choose from available icons or browse for a custom icon file (.ico).
4. Will adding this icon affect system performance?
No, adding desktop icons like This PC has negligible impact on system performance. It simply provides quick access and visual reference.
5. Can I add This PC to the desktop on Windows 10 as well?
Yes, the steps are very similar in Windows 10, involving the Desktop Icon Settings in Personalization options.
6. Are there any third-party tools to manage desktop icons more effectively?
Yes, several third-party tools like DesktopOK or Fences can help organize, back up, and customize desktop icons beyond Windows defaults.
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