Question from Ken B.: Rick, I turned my computer on this morning (Dell XPS 15 laptop w/Windows 7) and my desktop was blank. After it booted up everything on the desktop was missing, including the Recycle Bin, the Computer icon and all of my shortcuts. I don’t know what happened to make then disappear, but I desperately need them back ASAP.
Can you please tell me how to get all of my desktop icons and shortcuts back without reinstalling everything? I’ll be indebted to you for life my friend! Thanks in advance for you help.
Rick’s answer: Ken, Microsoft Windows is like the weather. Storm clouds (i.e. missing icons and shortcuts) can appear out of nowhere at any time, and usually when it’s least convenient. But poor metaphors aside, this happens to be a very easy problem to fix.
To restore the icons and shortcuts to your Desktop, do this:
1 – Right-click on the Desktop.
2 – Click View>Show desktop icons.
All of the missing items should now be back in their rightful place on your Desktop.
Update from Ken: Thanks so much Rick! That worked like a charm, and it was so simple. You’re a lifesaver my friend.
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