The Knowhow
Why did they disappear?
The icons on your Desktop may have disappeared for any number of reasons, but the most likely culprit is a shortcut that you aren't aware of. To change your shortcut keys (also know as 'function keys' and 'hotkeys'), follow the instructions listed in the Knowhow article: The F4 key keeps quitting applications; how do I disable the function key shortcuts?
Recently installed some new software? This might be to blame; a number of software programmes have been associated with desktop icon settings being changed unintentionally. You needn't uninstall the software - simply work through the steps listed in the next section to rectify the problem.
Alternatively, check whether anyone else has been using your PC; they may have inadvertently changed the settings without meaning to.
How can I get them back?
| For pre-Windows 7 users |
| For Windows 7 users |
For pre-Windows 7 users
Go to your desktop screen.
Right-click on the wallpaper background and a pop-up menu will appear (see below):
Go to Arrange Icons By, followed by Show Desktop Icons. Make sure that you have changed your settings by looking for the little tick sign next to Show Desktop Icons. Your icons should now reappear.
Back to topFor Windows 7 users
Go into the Control Panel:
From the Control Panel, select the Personalisation option:
When the Personalisation tab opens, proceed to the option marked Change desktop icons.
A new pop-up window will appear (see below); this allows you to customize your desktop settings. To pick and choose the icons you would like displayed on your desktop space, go to the box highlighted in red below and tick those items which you use most frequently. To simply return your desktop space to how it was before the icons disappeared, click on the box highlighted in green identified as Restore Default.
