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If every desktop icon has disappeared, right-click an empty area of the desktop, choose View, then select Show desktop icons. If only a built-in icon such as This PC or Recycle Bin is missing, restore it separately in Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings. Those controls solve different problems.
Show all desktop icons at once
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Select View.
- Select Show desktop icons. When the option is checked, Windows is set to display the desktop icons. Selecting it again turns visibility back on if the icons were hidden. Microsoft’s Windows desktop icon guidance describes this toggle as controlling all desktop icons.
Restore a built-in icon such as This PC or Recycle Bin
Use this route when other desktop icons are visible but a particular Windows shortcut is absent:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Personalization > Themes.
- Select Desktop icon settings.
- Select the built-in icon or icons you want displayed, then select OK.
The available built-in shortcuts include This PC, Recycle Bin, Network, and the user’s files. The same settings page can restore Recycle Bin on its own. Microsoft’s desktop icon instructions cover the selectable icons; its missing desktop icons guidance gives the focused Recycle Bin steps.
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If files or shortcuts are still missing
First distinguish a hidden desktop from missing contents: the View > Show desktop icons option affects all icons, while Desktop icon settings controls selected built-in shortcuts. If expected files or shortcuts are still absent, open File Explorer and check the Desktop folder in its navigation pane. Windows can use a Desktop folder backed up or redirected through OneDrive, so confirm that you are looking at the Desktop folder that contains the files you expect. Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance covers checking the Desktop folder and its location.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
- EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
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Even when desktop icons are hidden, the Desktop folder remains accessible from File Explorer’s navigation pane. Microsoft documents that access path.
Desktop icons are not taskbar or theme settings
Use the desktop’s right-click View menu to show or hide all desktop icons, and Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings to choose built-in desktop shortcuts. Taskbar items and system tray icons have separate controls under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar; changing them does not restore desktop icons. See Microsoft’s taskbar guidance.
Rank #2
- All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
- Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
- Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
- Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*
The Themes page groups broader appearance settings. A Windows theme can combine desktop background pictures, window colors, sounds, and other elements; its presence there does not make the desktop visibility toggle a theme setting. Microsoft explains Windows themes here.
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- 7 Unique Backlight Color: 7 Elegant LED backlight with 3 brightness level.
- Easy Setup: Simply insert the 1.2M (4 feet) USB wire into your computer and use the keyboard instantly.
- Ergonomic design: Scissors X structure gives you the comfortable typing experience, low-profile keys offer quiet and comfortable typing.
- Ultra Thin and Light: Compact size (16.7 X 4.5 X 0.24in) and light weight (17.4oz) but provides full size keys, arrow keys, number pad, shortcuts for comfortable typing.
- Package contents: Arteck Backlit USB wired Keyboard, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
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Rank #3
- All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
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