How to Fix Lines on a Monitor Screen in Windows 10
Use a screenshot test, cable and port checks, monitor diagnostics, display settings, and driver rollback to pinpoint lines on a Windows 10 monitor.
Windows 10 Desktop Icons Missing? How to Get Them Back
If your Windows 10 desktop icons are missing, start with the simplest fix: right-click an empty area of the desktop, choose View, and make sure Show desktop icons is checked. If that does not solve it, the missing items may be system icons, files redirected to OneDrive, an Explorer problem, or a display mode issue.
Windows 10 support note: Microsoft ended standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The operating system still runs, but Microsoft recommends moving to a supported version of Windows or using an eligible Extended Security Updates option. See Microsoft's Windows 10 end-of-support guidance.
1. Turn Show desktop icons back on
Windows can hide every desktop icon without deleting the underlying files or shortcuts.
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop.
- Select View.
- Select Show desktop icons so a check mark appears.
This is also the first step Microsoft recommends when the desktop shows no icons. See the official desktop icon customization guide.
2. Restore This PC, Recycle Bin, Network, or your user folder
If normal shortcuts are visible but a built-in icon is missing, restore it from Desktop Icon Settings:
- Open Settings > Personalization > Themes.
- Select Desktop icon settings.
- Check the icons you want, then select Apply and OK.
This setting controls built-in desktop icons separately from the general Show desktop icons option.
3. Check whether your Desktop files moved to OneDrive
If the icons represented real files or folders and disappeared after changing OneDrive backup or signing into a different account, check the Desktop folders in File Explorer. Look under both your normal user profile and OneDrive > Desktop.
Microsoft notes that OneDrive folder backup can make Windows point to a different Desktop location. Its missing Desktop icons guide explains how to identify the correct Desktop folder and repair the folder location if needed. Do not delete either Desktop folder until you have confirmed where your files are stored.
4. Restart Windows Explorer
The Windows Explorer process draws the desktop, taskbar, and File Explorer windows. If it is stuck, restarting it can reload a blank or partially rendered desktop without rebooting the PC.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- On the Processes tab, select Windows Explorer.
- Select Restart.
The taskbar and desktop may briefly disappear while Explorer restarts. That is expected.
5. Check projection and multiple-display settings
If you recently disconnected a monitor, dock, TV, or projector, an extended desktop layout can leave icons on another display position.
- Press Windows + P.
- Temporarily choose PC screen only.
- If the icons return, reconfigure your displays before switching back to Extend.
Microsoft documents the same Windows + P display modes in its projection support page.
6. Exit Tablet mode on a touch-capable Windows 10 PC
Tablet mode changes how the Windows 10 interface behaves and can make the desktop look different from the normal desktop experience. Open Action Center from the taskbar and select Tablet mode so the tile is not highlighted.
If the tile is missing, Microsoft explains how to add or toggle it in the Windows tablet mode instructions.
7. Turn off the full-screen Start menu
If you see Start tiles or an app list instead of the desktop, you may simply have the full-screen Start menu open.
- Open Settings > Personalization > Start.
- Turn Use Start full screen off.
- Close Start and return to the desktop.
The setting is documented in Microsoft's Start menu customization guide.
8. Repair Windows system files if the desktop still will not load correctly
If icons remain missing after the settings above, damaged Windows components may be involved. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands in this order:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow
Let each command finish, then restart Windows. Microsoft recommends DISM and System File Checker for repairing missing or corrupted Windows components; follow its official SFC and DISM instructions if either command reports an error.
What if only the icon pictures are blank?
If file names are still visible but the small pictures are white, generic, or incorrect, the issue is different: Windows is displaying the desktop items but may have a damaged icon cache or a file-association problem. Try restarting Explorer and Windows first. Avoid deleting Desktop files or moving profile folders just to repair a visual icon problem.
How to Add Two Extra Clocks on Windows 10
Show two other time zones beside your Windows 10 clock. Set up each additional clock, give it a clear label, and find it in the taskbar calendar.
How to Fix a Slow Context Menu in Windows 10
Find the File Explorer extension that delays right-click menus in Windows 10, test it safely with ShellExView, and restore any menu features you still need.
How to Disable Power Management for Devices in Windows 10
Stop Windows 10 from powering down a specific network adapter or USB device with plan-level settings and Device Manager controls, plus tips to avoid excess battery drain.
How to Back Up a Windows 10 Product Key Safely
Check whether Windows 10 uses a digital license or product key, find a firmware-stored OEM key, and save license details securely for a reinstall.
How to Identify a Process in Windows 10 Task Manager
Identify a Windows 10 Task Manager process by checking its executable path, file properties, publisher, linked services, and a Microsoft Defender scan.
How to Create a List of All Items in a Folder on Windows 10
Create a searchable Windows 10 folder inventory with PowerShell. Save every file and subfolder path as plain text or export details to a sortable CSV.
How to Display Custom Text on Your Windows 10 Desktop
Add a custom reminder, quote, or label to your Windows 10 desktop with a Rainmeter text skin. Create the INI file, load it, then adjust its font and position.
How to Use Bluetooth Swift Pair on Windows 10
Use Bluetooth Swift Pair on Windows 10 to pair a compatible accessory from a notification, with setup steps and fixes when the prompt does not appear.
How to Identify Function Key Symbols on a Windows 10 Laptop
Learn what common laptop function key symbols mean, how Fn and Fn Lock affect them, and how to confirm the right shortcut for your Windows 10 laptop model.