On ChromeOS, the desktop is a wallpaper-only space; use the Shelf, Launcher, and Files app for apps, windows, and storage.

The desktop.ini file sits inside each customized folder, such as C:Users\Desktop on Windows.

On Windows, desktop.ini sits inside folders it customizes—most commonly your Desktop, Documents, and other user folders.

On Windows 10, the “Show Desktop” shortcut sits at the far-right edge of the taskbar, and you can also press Windows+D to reach the desktop.

In File Explorer, the Desktop folder shows under Quick Access or This PC; its path is C:Users\Desktop or OneDriveDesktop.

On Windows 7, the Desktop lives at C:UsersyournameDesktop; shared items sit in C:UsersPublicDesktop.

The desktop on a laptop is the home screen; reach it fast with keyboard shortcuts, taskbar or dock actions, and trackpad gestures.

In Windows 11, the desktop is your home screen and the Desktop folder at C:Users\Desktop; press Win+D or click the taskbar’s far-right edge.

In Windows 11, Desktop files live at C:UsersYourNameDesktop and as a shell path named “Desktop.”

Desktop pictures live in system wallpaper folders; user-chosen images are kept in per-user caches or a small settings database.