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In Windows 10, the old My Computer icon is usually called This PC. Microsoft’s Desktop Icon Settings window may label the same option Computer.
To add it, open the desktop icon settings, select Computer or This PC, and apply the change. You do not need to create a normal shortcut.
Add the “My Computer” icon through Personalization
This is the standard Windows 10 method and adds the built-in system icon, not a shortcut to a folder.
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- Select Personalize.
- Choose Themes in the left pane.
- Scroll to Related settings and select Desktop icon settings.
- In the Desktop Icon Settings window, select Computer or This PC. The wording varies between Windows 10 builds.
- Select Apply, then select OK.
The icon should now appear on the desktop. Double-clicking it opens File Explorer at This PC, where you can access your drives, folders, and connected devices.
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Open Desktop Icon Settings with a Run command
If you cannot find the setting through Personalization, open it directly:
- Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Enter the following command:
control.exe desk.cpl,,0- Press Enter.
- Select Computer or This PC.
- Select Apply, then OK.
This opens the same Desktop Icon Settings window without navigating through the Settings app.
Show other standard desktop icons
The same window can add several built-in icons. Select any of these options before choosing Apply:
| Option | What it opens |
|---|---|
| Computer or This PC | File Explorer’s This PC view |
| Recycle Bin | Deleted files that have not been permanently removed |
| User’s Files | Your Windows user-profile folders |
| Network | Network computers and devices that Windows can discover |
| Control Panel | The traditional Windows Control Panel |
If the icon does not appear
Turn on desktop icons
The icon can be enabled in Desktop Icon Settings but still remain invisible if Windows is hiding all desktop icons.
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- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Point to View.
- Make sure Show desktop icons is checked.
If this option is unchecked, Windows hides every desktop icon, including This PC, Recycle Bin, and shortcuts.
Check whether Windows added it outside the visible area
If you use more than one monitor or recently changed display resolution, the icon can appear outside the currently visible desktop area. Temporarily disconnecting the additional display, changing the desktop resolution, or using View > Auto arrange icons can help bring it back into view.
Prevent a theme from changing the icon
Windows themes can change the artwork used for common desktop icons. This may make This PC look different after you switch themes, even though the icon is still enabled.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization > Themes.
- Select Desktop icon settings.
- Clear Allow themes to change desktop icons.
- Select OK.
This locks the customized icon artwork. It does not remove This PC from the desktop.
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What to do if Desktop Icon Settings is unavailable
On a work, school, or otherwise managed Windows 10 computer, an administrator can enable the Prevent changing desktop icons policy. When that policy is active, users cannot use Desktop Icon Settings to show, hide, or customize the built-in desktop icons.
If the setting is missing, disabled, or closes without saving, contact the organization’s IT administrator. An administrator may need to change the policy before you can add This PC yourself. This policy applies to supported Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions; it is not normally an issue on an unmanaged Home PC.
Should you create a shortcut instead?
Usually, no. A shortcut can open This PC, but the Desktop Icon Settings method adds Windows’ proper system icon and lets Windows manage its name and artwork.
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Why you cannot find “My Computer”
My Computer is the name used by older Windows versions, including Windows XP. Windows 10 generally uses This PC in File Explorer and Settings. In the Desktop Icon Settings dialog, the checkbox may still appear as Computer.
Therefore, do not look for a checkbox literally named My Computer. Select Computer or This PC, whichever your installation displays.
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. The desktop icon feature still works on Windows 10, but Microsoft no longer provides normal free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for the operating system after that date. If the PC supports it, moving to a supported Windows release is safer than continuing to use an unprotected Windows 10 installation.
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Sources
- Microsoft Support: Customize the Desktop Icons in Windows
- Microsoft Support: Where have my Desktop icons gone?
- Microsoft Q&A: Launch the Desktop Icon Settings window from Run
- Microsoft Learn: ADMX_ControlPanelDisplay Policy CSP
FAQ
What is “My Computer” called in Windows 10?
Windows 10 normally calls it This PC. The Desktop Icon Settings dialog may label the checkbox Computer; both names refer to the same built-in icon.
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How do I put This PC on the Windows 10 desktop?
Right-click the desktop, select Personalize > Themes > Desktop icon settings, select Computer or This PC, and choose Apply and OK.
Why is This PC enabled but not visible?
Right-click the desktop, select View, and enable Show desktop icons. When this option is off, Windows hides all desktop icons.
Can I open Desktop Icon Settings with a command?
Yes. Press Windows key + R, enter control.exe desk.cpl,,0, and press Enter.
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Why is Desktop Icon Settings blocked?
A work or school administrator may have enabled the Prevent changing desktop icons policy. Contact the organization’s IT administrator if the dialog is unavailable or its settings cannot be changed.
The Bottom Line
Use Personalize > Themes > Desktop icon settings, select Computer or This PC, then apply the change. If nothing appears, turn on View > Show desktop icons. This is preferable to creating a regular shortcut because it adds Windows’ built-in My Computer replacement.
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