Here are some steps you can try to restore your missing icons on Windows 11: Show Desktop Icons: • Right-click on an empty area of your desktop. • Hover over view and ensure Show desktop icons is checked. Restart Windows Explorer: • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager., Click Show desktop icons (ensure it is checked). How to restore System icons (e.g., This PC, Recycle Bin) If certain icons are missing from your desktop, these steps will show how to reset the defaults. Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize. In the left panel, click Themes. Scroll down and click Desktop icon settings under Related , If you want to display your old desktop icons, you can try the following steps: 1.Open Settings. 2.Click on Personalization. 3.Click on Themes. 4.Click the Desktop icons settings link. 5.Check each icon you want to see on the desktop, including Computer (This PC), User's Files, Network, Recycle Bin, and Control Panel. 6.Click Apply. 7.Click OK., Adjust the Quick Access settings to ensure that desktop icons are displayed. Enable “Show desktop icons” in the desktop context menu. Restart the File Explorer process., In windows 10 I could right click the taskbar then select desktop and then it would add two little white arrows next to the hidden icons arrow that would allow me to view my desktop icons by clicking on it., You need to click on Show desktop button on taskbar, located at far right from clock. This will take you to Desktop instantaneously. It works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, as well..