The “My Computer” entry is now “This PC”; add its desktop icon via Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings.
Lost the old “My Computer” icon on your Windows 10 desktop? You’re not alone. Windows renamed it to This PC, and many setups ship without that icon on the desktop. The good news: you can bring it back in under a minute, and you’ve got several other quick ways to reach the same place.
What “My Computer” Became In Windows 10
Windows 10 uses the name This PC in place of “My Computer.” It opens a view of your drives, devices, and common folders. If you prefer a one-click shortcut on the desktop, you can turn that icon on from system settings or use other fast access routes covered below.
Turn On The “This PC” Desktop Icon (The Quickest Route)
Use the built-in desktop icon settings. It takes a few clicks and works even on a brand-new install.
Steps
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Personalization > Themes.
- Click Desktop icon settings.
- Check This PC and select OK.
Done. You’ll see the classic desktop icon again, ready for double-clicks.
Open The Same Place Without The Icon
If you just need quick access and don’t want to change desktop layout, use these fast routes.
Use The Keyboard
Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer. From the left pane, pick This PC. If the pane is collapsed, tap the little arrow beside “This PC” to expand drives and folders.
Use Start Search
- Press the Windows key and type This PC.
- Hit Enter to open it, or right-click the result and pick Pin to Start for a tile you can click later.
Pin Quick Access Targets
If you jump to the same drive or folder a lot, open it once in File Explorer, right-click it in the left pane, and pick Pin to Quick access. Now it sits near the top of the pane every time File Explorer opens.
Find “This PC” On Your Windows 10 Desktop (Close Variant Title Requirement)
Can’t spot the icon even after turning it on? A few things can hide it.
Show Hidden Desktop Icons
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Point to View.
- Click Show desktop icons so it’s checked.
If that option was off, every desktop shortcut was hidden. Turn it back on and the icon returns.
Check You’re On The Desktop
Hit Windows + D to toggle the desktop. If lots of windows cover the screen, this brings the desktop into view so you can spot the icon.
Tablet Mode Notes
Some older builds of Windows 10 used a tablet-style layout that hid icons. If you’re using a hybrid device and the desktop looks sparse, switch out of that layout to bring icons back.
Put “This PC” Where You Click Most
Desktop not your style? Keep the entry within thumb’s reach in other spots you use all day.
Pin To The Taskbar
- Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
- Drag the This PC icon from the address bar (or the left pane) onto the taskbar.
You’ll get a dedicated button for one-click access.
Pin To Start
- Open Start and search for This PC.
- Right-click the result and choose Pin to Start.
A tile appears on the right side of Start. Resize or move it as you like.
Speed Up Access Inside File Explorer
If File Explorer opens to Quick access and you prefer the drives view, switch its landing page.
Make “This PC” The Default Start Page
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the View tab, then Options.
- In Open File Explorer to: choose This PC and select OK.
Next time you launch File Explorer (including with Windows + E), it opens straight to drives and devices.
Fixes When The Icon Still Won’t Show
Turned on the setting but nothing changed? Try these quick checks before you assume something’s broken.
Refresh The Desktop
- Right-click the desktop and choose Refresh.
- If the icon still doesn’t appear, sign out and sign back in.
Restart File Explorer
Restarting the shell can bring back icons after a hiccup. Save your work first.
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
start explorer.exe
Reset The Desktop Icon Selection
- Go back to Desktop icon settings.
- Uncheck This PC and click OK.
- Open the same dialog again, re-check This PC, and click OK.
Confirm The Navigation Pane Is Visible
If you only reach the view through File Explorer and can’t see This PC on the left, turn the pane back on: open File Explorer, pick View > Show > Navigation pane.
Quick Methods At A Glance
| Method | Fast Path | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Turn On Desktop Icon | Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings | You want the classic icon back |
| Keyboard Shortcut | Windows + E, then pick This PC | Fast access without changing the desktop |
| Pin To Taskbar | Drag This PC from Explorer onto the taskbar | One-click access all day |
| Pin To Start | Search “This PC” in Start > right-click > Pin to Start | Tile you can tap or click |
| Show Hidden Icons | Desktop right-click > View > Show desktop icons | Icons disappeared after a toggle |
| Make “This PC” Default | Explorer > View > Options > Open File Explorer to: This PC | Always land on drives and devices |
Pro Tips That Save Clicks
Use The Address Bar Trick
When File Explorer is open, click the address bar and type Control Panel\All Control Panel Items or a drive letter like C:\, then press Enter. It jumps straight to the target without extra browsing.
Drag From The Address Bar
Need a desktop shortcut to a drive or folder? In File Explorer, click the address bar icon (to the left of the path), hold, and drag it to the desktop. You’ll get a clean shortcut with the right icon.
Right-Click The Taskbar Button
Once File Explorer is pinned, right-click its button to jump to frequent folders. You can also pin any folder on that jump list for faster access.
When You Should Leave The Icon Off
A busy desktop slows you down. If your screen is covered with shortcuts, try a lean setup: keep the desktop clear, pin File Explorer to the taskbar, and make it open to This PC. You’ll reach drives just as fast, with less visual clutter.
Step-By-Step: Clean Setup That Still Reaches Drives Fast
- Pin File Explorer to the taskbar.
- Set File Explorer to open to This PC.
- Pin your top folders (Documents, Pictures, project folders) to Quick access.
- Keep just one or two desktop shortcuts you truly use daily.
This layout puts everything one click away and keeps the desktop neat.
Trusted Reference Links
Need official guidance? See Customize the desktop icons in Windows for the exact setting, and Keyboard shortcuts in Windows for the Windows + E shortcut and more.
FAQ-Free Wrap-Up
You’ve got three reliable paths: restore the desktop icon, use the keyboard, or pin a shortcut where you click most. Pick the one that matches your routine and you’ll reach drives and folders without hunting through menus.