How to Bring Back Missing Desktop Icons in Windows 10

The icons on Windows 10 Desktop may disappear after an update or after the monitor was unplugged. The disappearance due to a system update often occurs when multiple monitors are connected to the CPU. This post will discuss how to bring back missing desktop icons by following few simple steps. Try the methods listed below in sequence to bring back the missing desktop 

Check that the Desktop Icons are Set to Visible

If your desktop icons are missing, the first thing you have to check is to ensure that your desktop icons are set to be visible. To do this, follow these steps:

• Right click on any blank area of the desktop.
• Select View and check that Show desktop icons is check marked. If it isn’t, click on the Show desktop icons to enable them.
• You should now see all the desktop icons.

Did the Desktop Icons Go Missing After Unplugging the Monitor?

If you noticed that the icons were missing after unplugging the monitor, there is a quick fix for this.

• Right click on the desktop and click on View > Auto Arrange Icons.
• If your Auto Arrange Icons selection is grayed out, click on Show Desktop Icons. This will enable the option to click on Auto Arrange Icons.

Bring Back Missing Desktop Icons Due to a Computer Update

This problem occurs for various reasons including multiple monitors connected to the device. Try the below method if you fall under this category:

• Right click on any blank area of the desktop.
• Select View and check that Show desktop icons is check marked. If it isn’t, click on the Show desktop icons to enable them.
• Click on Windows icon at the bottom left corner of the screen and click on Settings (looks like a gear icon)
• Click on System
• Click on Tablet Mode. Turn Tablet Mode off. Under Tablet Mode, When I Sign In area, select Use Desktop Mode.
• From the Tablet Mode settings, if you have multiple monitors connected to the device, disconnect the other monitors except one.
• Close Settings and your desktop icons should now be restored.