When you upgrade your PC to Windows 11, you will only see the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. On a primary Windows 11 desktop, legacy icons such as This PC, User’s Files, Network, and Control Panel icons aren’t displayed.
While the process to bring these traditional desktop icons back isn’t as simple as it was on prior versions of Windows, you can fix them using the Desktop Icon Settings menu. You can also manage the appearance of these icons to make them fit in with your chosen Windows 11 theme.
If you need to make these traditional desktop icons appear on your Windows 11 desktop, you’ll need to follow these steps.
Desktop Icon Settings
Click the Start Menu and search for the Settings. You can also use keyboard shortcuts Windows+i to launch it quickly.
Once you get to the Windows Settings, click “Personalization” from the sidebar on the left. Then scroll down a bit and select “Themes” on the right.
Click the “Desktop icon settings” option.
Once you get there, place a checkmark next to each icon box you want to display on your Windows 11 desktop. Click “Apply” then “OK” to save the preferences.
Once you’re done, close the settings, and the legacy desktop icons you selected will appear on the desktop.
Customize Legacy Desktop Icons
To customize your desktop icons, all you need is to revisit your Desktop icon settings and select Change Icon at the bottom.
You can select the new icon you want to use. If you don’t like any available options, click Browse to use an image saved on your desktop.
Once you’re done, click “OK” and close the settings.
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