The new Windows 11 operating system includes only one desktop icon, which is for the Recycle Bin. If you’ve been using Windows for a while, you’re probably aware with the setup that displays many system icons on the desktop, such as the Computer, User’s Files, Network, and Control Panel.

If you’re looking for a way to reclaim them, we’ve got you covered. We will teach you how to restore the traditional desktop icons on your Windows 11 PC using the Settings applications in this step-by-step guide.

How to show legacy desktop icons on Windows 11

Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your Windows 11 PC. You can accomplish this by pressing the Windows + I keys on your keyboard or by selecting the program from the Start menu.

Step 2: When the Settings box appears, choose “Personalization” from the left sidebar.

Step 3:In the Personalization settings, select the “Themes” option from the right-side pane.

Step 4: Under the “Related settings” section, click on the “Desktop icon settings” option.

Step 5: In the window that opens, select the icons that you want to appear on the desktop and then click the “Ok” button.

All of the icons from the options you choose — Computer, User’s Files, Network, Recycle Bin, and Control Panel — will now display on the desktop. To remove the icons from the desktop, repeat the previous steps and then uncheck the checkboxes for the icons you don’t want on the desktop.