How To Fix Windows 10 Desktop Icons Missing Issue

Windows 10 is the latest version of the Windows operating system which was first released in 2015 and was made as a free upgrade to people who were running Windows 7 or Windows 8 on their computers. Although this is a solid performing operating system there are instances when certain issues can occur which we will be addressing today. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Windows 10 desktop icons missing issue.

How To Fix Windows 10 Desktop Icons Missing Issue

Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.

The most common reason why the desktop icons on your windows 10 computer will be missing is not because of a bug in the software but because of some setting configuration. Listed below are the troubleshooting steps that you need to do to fix the problem.

Check the Visibility setting

There is a setting in Windows 10 which allows you to hide all desktop icons. Try to check if this has been activated and if it is then you should turn it off.

  • Right click inside an empty space on your desktop and navigate to View tab at the top.
  • Check for the Show desktop icons at the bottom.
  • If it is unchecked then go ahead and mark it checked.

Check if the Windows 10 desktop icons missing issue still occurs.

Make icons visible from settings

  • Click on the Start button
  • Click on Settings
  • Click on Personalization
  • Select Themes
  • On the right pane of the Themes tab, click on Desktop icon settings to open the settings in order to enable the Desktop icons visibility.
  • Select the icons you want to show on the desktop and click Apply and OK buttons afterwards.

Check if the Windows 10 desktop icons missing issue still occurs.

Disable tablet mode

One of the reasons why the desktop icons will be missing is because the tablet mode is enabled. If it is then go ahead and disable it.

  • Click on the Start button
  • Click on Settings
  • Click on System
  • On the left pane, click on Tablet mode and turn-off the tablet mode.

Check if the Windows 10 desktop icons missing issue still occurs.

Perform an SFC scan

If the problem is caused by corrupted files or bad drivers then the SFC ( System File Checker) tool will fix the problem.

  • Press “Windows” + “R” keys simultaneously to open the RUN prompt.
  • Type in “cmd” and press “Shift” + “ctrl” + “Enter” keys simultaneously
  • Click on “yes” in the prompt to provide administrative privileges.
  • Type in “SFC /scannow” and press “Enter”

Check if the Windows 10 desktop icons missing issue still occurs.

Leave a Comment