Introduction: The “This PC” icon, formerly known as “My Computer,” provides easy access to all the drives and folders on your Windows 10 computer. Having this icon on your desktop can significantly enhance your workflow, allowing you to quickly navigate through your files and directories. In this article, we will explore two methods to add the “This PC” icon to your Windows 10 desktop, catering to different user preferences and system configurations.
Method 1: Creating a Shortcut Adding the “This PC” icon to your desktop through a shortcut is a simple and effective way to gain quick access to your files.
- Right-click on an empty area of your desktop to open the context menu.
- From the context menu, select “New.”
- Choose “Shortcut” from the submenu.
- In the “Create Shortcut” window that appears, copy and paste the following path into the location box:
%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe /E,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}
- Click “Next.”
- Enter a name for the shortcut (e.g., “This PC” or “My Computer”).
- Click “Finish” to create the shortcut.
The “This PC” icon should now be available on your desktop, allowing you to access your drives and folders with ease.
Method 2: Using Desktop Icon Settings If you prefer a more integrated approach to customize your desktop icons, you can use the Desktop Icon Settings method.
- Right-click on an empty area of your desktop.
- Choose “Personalize” from the context menu.
- In the left-hand sidebar, select “Themes.”
- Under “Related Settings,” click on “Desktop icon settings.”
- In the “Desktop Icon Settings” window that appears, you’ll find a list of available desktop icons.
- Locate “Computer” (which represents “This PC”) in the list and check the box next to it.
- Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
With this method, the “This PC” icon will be added to your Windows 10 desktop, providing convenient access to your files and folders right from your home screen.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues: If you encounter any issues during the process, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- Double-check the path used while creating the shortcut to ensure accuracy.
- Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to modify desktop settings.
- If the icon does not appear immediately, try restarting your computer to apply the changes.
Conclusion: Adding the “This PC” icon to your Windows 10 desktop is a simple yet invaluable customization that can enhance your productivity and ease of navigation. The two methods outlined in this article provide flexibility, catering to various user preferences. By implementing either of these methods, you can enjoy quick and easy access to all your files and folders through the “This PC” icon, streamlining your computing experience.
Disclaimer: Please note that the instructions provided in this article are based on Windows 10 as of [current date]. As Windows updates may introduce changes to the user interface and settings, some steps may vary in future versions.
