If you suddenly notice all your desktop icons have gone, this guide will help get them back. Windows: How to enable Desktop icons If you can’t see any icons at all, they may have been hidden. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop. Select View from the context menu. Click Show desktop icons (ensure it is checked). Windows: How to restore system icons (This PC, Recycle Bin, Network) If certain icons are missing from your desktop, these steps will show how to reset the defaults. Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize . In the left panel, click Themes . Scroll down and click Desktop icon settings under Related settings . Check the icons you want to display (e.g., Computer, Recycle Bin, Control Panel). Click Apply and OK . Windows: Restore personal files and shortcuts to the Desktop OneDrive can back up your Desktop, Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos folders to ensure they’re available across all your devices. If your folder backup location is corrupted, your desktop might be showing the wrong location. Open File Explorer and expand your OneDrive folders. Open File Explorer and expand your OneDrive folders. Right-click the Desktop folder and select Properties . Right-click the Desktop folder and select Properties .

Select the Location tab. Tip If you don’t see Location, you’re viewing the “wrong” Desktop folder, such as one not in OneDrive or the version belonging to your work/school account. Look for Desktop in other folders. Select the Location tab. If you don’t see Location, you’re viewing the “wrong” Desktop folder, such as one not in OneDrive or the version belonging to your work/school account. Look for Desktop in other folders. Navigate to the folder that contains the Desktop icons you want, choose Select Folder , and then Apply . Tip When asked if you want to move files from the old to the new, select Yes to ensure content is available. Navigate to the folder that contains the Desktop icons you want, choose Select Folder , and then Apply . When asked if you want to move files from the old to the new, select Yes to ensure content is available. Repeat this with Documents, Pictures, and other folders if necessary. Back up your folders with OneDrive Need more help? Personal accounts Work/school accounts Account support. For help with your Microsoft account and subscriptions, visit Account & Billing Help . Technical support. For technical support, select Contact Microsoft Support below, enter your problem and select Get Help . Contact Microsoft Support Mobile users can contact Support by opening the OneDrive app and gently shaking your device. Community support. Communities help you ask questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge. Ask the Microsoft Community . Do not disclose personal or sensitive information in public forums. Technical support. For technical support, contact your organization's IT helpdesk, service desk, or admin. IT Admins. IT Admins should view Help for OneDrive Admins , the OneDrive Tech Community or contact Microsoft 365 for business support . Thank you for your feedback!