How to hide/show system icons on Windows 11 desktop

Contrary to previous versions of Windows, by default, Windows 11 will not display any special icons (aka system icons), such as “This PC” or “Recycle Bin”) on the desktop. desktop, in order to maximize the user’s screen space.

However, if you want a “classic” Windows desktop look, or you simply need to use these system icons on a regular basis, you can set them to reappear on the desktop. Windows 11 with ease. Follow these steps:

First, right-click on any empty area on the desktop and select “Personalize” in the menu that appears.

You will immediately be taken to the “Personalization” in the Windows Settings app. Here, click on the “Themes“.

In the Themes settings page, scroll down and click “Desktop Icon Settings“.

A special window titled “Desktop Icon Settings” will appear. Look at the “Desktop Icons” at the top of the window, you will see a list of system icons that are allowed to display on the desktop. Check the boxes next to the icons you want them to appear on the screen. For example, if you want to see the familiar trash can icon appear on your Desktop, tick “Recycle Bin“. When done, click “OK“.

Now you can also close the Settings app if you want. Return to the desktop and you will see the system icons you have selected in full display.

(Tips: You can zoom in or out on the desktop icons by holding down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and scrolling the mouse wheel up or down).

If you change your mind and want to hide some of these icons, just visit again Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop Icon Settings, and uncheck the icons you don’t want to appear on the desktop anymore.

In case you want to hide all the icons on the desktop, just right click on the desktop, point to the item “View” and turn off the option “Show Desktop Icons“.