The This PC icon (formerly My Computer) gives you quick access to your drives, folders, and connected devices. While it doesn’t appear on the desktop by default in Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can easily bring it back using built-in settings. This guide shows you simple methods to add the This PC icon to your desktop, no matter which version of Windows you’re using.

Method 1: Add the “This PC” Icon Using Windows Settings

If you want to add the 'This PC' icon to your desktop in Windows 10 and 11, you can easily do so through Settings. Here's how:

For Windows 11:

Step 1:

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Go to Personalization.
• Select Themes.

Step 2:

• Click Desktop icon settings → check Computer / This PC → click Apply and OK.

Your This PC icon will now appear on the desktop.

For Windows 10:

Step 1:

• Right-click on your desktop → select Personalize.

Step 2:

• Open Themes → click Desktop icon settings on the right → enable Computer / This PC.

That’s it your icon is now visible.

Method 2: Create a Desktop Shortcut for “This PC”

Note: This method Works on both Windows 10 & Windows 11.

Step 1:

• Right-click on an empty space on your desktop.
• Hover over New → choose Shortcut.

• Enter this location:

%windir%\explorer.exe shell:MyComputerFolder

Step 2:

• Click Next, name the shortcut This PC, then click Finish.

You now have a manual shortcut on the desktop.

Method 3: Drag “This PC” from File Explorer to the Desktop

Note: This method is suitable for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Step 1: Open File Explorer using Win + E.

Step 2: Drag This PC from the left sidebar directly onto the desktop. Windows will create a shortcut automatically.

Method 4: Add “This PC” Using Control Panel

If you prefer using the Control Panel to customize your desktop icons in Windows 11, you can easily show the 'This PC' icon. Here's how:

Step 1: Open Start → type Control Panel → press Enter.

Step 2: Select Appearance and Personalization.

Step 3:

• Click File Explorer Options.
• Under the General tab, set Open File Explorer to: → This PC → click Apply.

Once the changes are being applied, you can press the “Windows + E” and the “This PC” window will open up on your screen.