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# How to Put My Computer on Desktop in Windows 11
- URL: https://elevendecoded.com/put-my-computer-on-desktop-windows-11/
- Published: 2026-10-10T08:18:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-20T17:53:42.000Z
- Author: Md Fakharuddin
- Tags: Windows 11, #Desktop Icons, #My Computer, #File Access

If you want quick access to your computer’s [files on Windows 11](https://elevendecoded.com/customize-windows-11-personalization/), you can add the 'This PC' icon (formerly 'My Computer') to your desktop. Windows 11 doesn’t show this icon by default, but you can easily restore it through the Desktop Icon Settings. Once added, you can open your drives and folders directly from the desktop without extra searching.

## How do I get the 'My Computer' icon on my Windows 11 desktop?

Open Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings. Select Computer, then Apply and OK to show This PC. You can also right-click empty desktop space and choose Personalize to reach Themes. If it remains invisible, right-click the desktop > View and enable Show desktop icons.

## Why isn’t the computer icon showing by default anymore?

This PC is an optional system desktop icon. Recycle Bin is normally shown by default, so do not assume Windows hides every common system icon. You can choose the icons you want without changing where your files are stored.

## What if I want other common icons like Recycle Bin or Network?

The Desktop Icon Settings window also lets you add other familiar icons such as Recycle Bin, Network, Control Panel, and your user’s Files folder. To add any of these, open Desktop icon settings the same way (Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings) and check the boxes next to the icons you want. For example, enabling Recycle Bin gives you quick access to deleted files, and Network is useful if you connect to shared devices or drives. Adding these icons helps you tailor your desktop to your workflow without extra searching.

## What to do if the icon appears but doesn’t work properly?

The system This PC icon is not an ordinary .lnk shortcut with an explorer.exe target to edit. Test File Explorer using Windows + E. If Explorer itself is unresponsive, finish file operations, save work and restart Windows Explorer through Task Manager. Investigate a persistent Explorer failure separately rather than trying to change the system icon’s target.

## Once I have the icon, how can I use it to quickly find my files?

Double-clicking This PC opens the drive and network-location view. Since Windows 11 version 22H2, common folders such as Documents and Downloads are pinned by default in Home/Quick access and the navigation pane, rather than listed under This PC. To pin a folder, right-click it and choose Pin to Quick access.

## Conclusion

Use Desktop icon settings to enable Computer and ensure Show desktop icons is on. This creates the system This PC entry, not a file shortcut with an editable target. Use This PC for drives and Home/Quick access for common pinned folders; troubleshoot Explorer itself if neither route opens.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can I rename the 'This PC' icon on my desktop?

Yes. Right-click the 'This PC' icon, select 'Rename,' type the new name, and press Enter. This changes only the label, not its function.

### Why don’t I see the 'Desktop icon settings' option in Windows 11?

Check Settings > Personalization > Themes and scroll to Desktop icon settings. Start search may help locate it. If the control is unavailable on a managed device, ask the administrator; absence alone is not evidence that Windows needs an update.

### Is it possible to add 'This PC' to the Start menu instead of the desktop?

Yes. Search for 'This PC' in the Start menu, right-click it, and choose 'Pin to Start.' This gives you quick access without adding icons to the desktop.

### Why do some desktop icons look different or smaller in Windows 11?

Windows 11 uses updated icon designs and scaling settings which can change how icons appear. To adjust icon size, right-click the desktop, select 'View,' and choose Small, Medium, or Large icons.