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Adding "This PC" to the desktop in Windows 10 can be a convenient and time-saving feature. By having quick access to important folders and drives right on your desktop, you can streamline your workflow and navigate through your files more efficiently. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to add "This PC" to the desktop in Windows 10 and discuss the benefits of doing so.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Add “This PC” to the Desktop
There are several reasons why adding "This PC" to the desktop can be beneficial for Windows 10 users. Here are a few of the main reasons:
1. Easy Access to Important Folders and Drives: By having "This PC" on your desktop, you can quickly access important folders such as Documents, Pictures, Downloads, and more. Additionally, you can also have quick access to your local drives, making it easier to navigate through your files without having to go through multiple steps.
2. Streamline Your Workflow: Adding "This PC" to the desktop can help streamline your workflow by eliminating the need to open File Explorer and search for specific folders or drives. With just a single click, you can open "This PC" and access all your important files and drives.
3. Time-Saving: Accessing folders and drives through "This PC" on the desktop saves time, especially if you frequently need to access specific files or drives. Instead of searching through various folders or drives, you can simply click on the desktop icon and access your desired location instantly.
Now that we understand the benefits of adding "This PC" to the desktop in Windows 10, let’s explore different methods to accomplish this.
Method 1: Adding “This PC” via Desktop Icon Settings
To add "This PC" to the desktop using the Desktop Icon Settings, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on an empty area of your desktop.
2. Select "Personalize" from the context menu.
3. In the Personalization settings, click on "Themes" on the left-hand side.
4. Scroll down and click on "Desktop icon settings" under the "Related Settings" section.
5. In the Desktop Icon Settings window, check the box next to "Computer" under the "Desktop Icons" section.
6. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
Now, you should see the "This PC" icon on your desktop, allowing you to easily access important folders and drives.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides direct access to "This PC" and its contents. | 1. Limited customization options for the icon itself. |
| 2. Quick and easy method to add "This PC" to the desktop. | 2. Requires multiple steps to access the Desktop Icon Settings. |
| 3. Works seamlessly with the Windows 10 interface. | 3. May not be suitable for users who prefer a clutter-free desktop. |
Method 2: Adding “This PC” via File Explorer
To add "This PC" to the desktop using File Explorer, follow these steps:
1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E or by clicking on the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.
2. In the File Explorer window, right-click on "This PC" in the left-hand navigation pane.
3. From the context menu, select "Show on desktop."
This will add the "This PC" icon to your desktop, giving you easy access to important folders and drives.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Quick and straightforward method to add "This PC" to the desktop. | 1. Limited customization options for the icon itself. |
| 2. Works directly from the File Explorer interface. | 2. May require several clicks to access the "Show on desktop" option. |
| 3. Allows for easy customization of folders and drives directly from the desktop. | 3. Users who prefer a clean desktop may find this method less appealing. |
Method 3: Adding “This PC” via Registry Editor
Warning: Editing the registry can be risky, and it’s recommended to create a backup before making any changes. Proceed with caution.
To add "This PC" to the desktop using the Registry Editor, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerDesktopNameSpace
4. Right-click on the "NameSpace" key and select "New" and then "Key."
5. Name the new key "{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}" (without the quotes).
6. Close the Registry Editor.
After making these changes, you should see the "This PC" icon on your desktop.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows for advanced customization and control over the desktop icons. | 1. Editing the registry can be risky if not done correctly. |
| 2. Works directly on the system level, affecting all users on the system. | 2. Requires advanced knowledge of the Windows registry. |
| 3. Useful for IT professionals or power users who want more control over their desktop. | 3. Any mistakes in the registry can cause system instability or issues. |
Method 4: Adding “This PC” via Shortcut Link
To add "This PC" to the desktop using a shortcut link, follow these steps:
1. Right-click on an empty area of your desktop.
2. Select "New" and then "Shortcut" from the context menu.
3. In the "Create Shortcut" window, type "explorer.exe shell:MyComputerFolder" (without the quotes) in the location field.
4. Click "Next" and provide a name for the shortcut, such as "This PC."
5. Click "Finish" to create the shortcut.
6. Drag the shortcut to the desired location on your desktop.
You now have a shortcut to "This PC" on your desktop, allowing you to access important folders and drives with ease.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides flexibility to customize the icon for the shortcut. | 1. Requires creating a new shortcut manually. |
| 2. Works well for users who prefer a clean and organized desktop. | 2. May not be as straightforward for users who are less familiar with creating shortcuts. |
| 3. Ideal for users who want more control over the appearance and placement of the "This PC" icon. | 3. Users seeking a quick and easy method may find this less appealing. |
What to Do If You Can’t Add "This PC" to the Desktop
If you encounter any issues while trying to add "This PC" to the desktop, here are a few fixes you can try:
1. Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor glitches or system errors.
2. Update Windows: Make sure your Windows 10 operating system is up to date. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can solve compatibility issues.
3. Check Group Policy settings: Group Policy settings can restrict certain actions, including adding desktop icons. Consult with your system administrator or IT department to ensure that the necessary permissions are in place.
4. Use a third-party software: If all else fails, you can consider using third-party software that allows for advanced customization of icons and desktop settings.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to help you make the most out of adding "This PC" to your desktop in Windows 10:
1. Customize the icon: Right-clicking on the "This PC" icon and selecting "Properties" allows you to change the icon to a different image or choose from the available system icons.
2. Organize folders and drives: You can rearrange the folders and drives within "This PC" to suit your preferences. Simply drag and drop them to a different location within the file explorer window.
3. Create shortcuts for specific folders: If you frequently access specific folders within "This PC," you can create shortcuts on the desktop for quicker access. Simply right-click on the desired folder and select "Create shortcut."
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I add other icons to the desktop using these methods?
A: Yes, these methods can be used to add various icons, such as Recycle Bin or Control Panel, to the desktop as well. Simply follow similar steps to the ones mentioned for adding "This PC."
Q2: How can I remove the "This PC" icon from my desktop?
A: To remove the "This PC" icon from your desktop, right-click on an empty area of your desktop, select "Personalize," click on "Themes," scroll down to "Desktop icon settings," and uncheck the box next to "Computer." Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
Q3: Will adding "This PC" to the desktop affect my system performance?
A: No, adding "This PC" to the desktop should not have any significant impact on your system performance. It is primarily a visual customization and does not consume additional system resources.
Q4: Can I move the "This PC" icon to a different location on my desktop?
A: Yes, you can move the "This PC" icon to any location on your desktop by clicking and dragging it to your desired position.
Q5: Are these methods applicable to other versions of Windows?
A: These methods are specific to Windows 10. However, similar steps can be followed for adding icons to the desktop in other versions of Windows.
Final Thoughts
Adding "This PC" to the desktop in Windows 10 can be a simple yet effective way to improve your workflow and access important folders and drives with ease. Whether you choose to use the Desktop Icon Settings, File Explorer, Registry Editor, or create a shortcut link, the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and familiarity with Windows 10 customization options. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can enhance your desktop experience and streamline your file navigation process in Windows 10.{"@context":"https://schema.org”;,"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":" Can I add other icons to the desktop using these methods?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Yes, these methods can be used to add various icons, such as Recycle Bin or Control Panel, to the desktop as well. Simply follow similar steps to the ones mentioned for adding "This PC.""}},{"@type":"Question","name":" How can I remove the "This PC" icon from my desktop?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" To remove the "This PC" icon from your desktop, right-click on an empty area of your desktop, select "Personalize," click on "Themes," scroll down to "Desktop icon settings," and uncheck the box next to "Computer." Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" Will adding "This PC" to the desktop affect my system performance?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" No, adding "This PC" to the desktop should not have any significant impact on your system performance. It is primarily a visual customization and does not consume additional system resources."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" Can I move the "This PC" icon to a different location on my desktop?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Yes, you can move the "This PC" icon to any location on your desktop by clicking and dragging it to your desired position."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" Are these methods applicable to other versions of Windows?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" These methods are specific to Windows 10. However, similar steps can be followed for adding icons to the desktop in other versions of Windows."}}]}
