Windows 10 renamed the old My Computer desktop icon to This PC. You can display that system icon through Desktop Icon Settings without creating a separate shortcut.
Steps
- Right-click an empty area of the desktop and choose Personalize.
- Open Themes.
- Select Desktop icon settings.
- Check Computer.
- Choose Apply, then OK.
- Double-click This PC on the desktop to confirm it opens File Explorer.
This PC is a system view
The icon opens a File Explorer view containing drives and common storage locations. It does not represent only the C: drive and it does not duplicate your files.
A normal shortcut is different
You can create many ordinary desktop shortcuts, but Desktop Icon Settings controls Windows system icons such as This PC, Recycle Bin, and Network.
Desktop icons can be hidden globally
If This PC is enabled but no desktop icons appear, right-click the desktop, open View, and make sure Show desktop icons is enabled.
Windows 10 support has ended
Windows 10 reached the end of standard support in October 2025. Showing This PC remains useful on a legacy installation, but Internet-connected PCs should move to a supported operating system when possible.
You can remove the icon later
If you decide you prefer a cleaner desktop, return to Desktop Icon Settings and clear Computer. Removing the icon from the desktop does not delete drives, folders, or files; it only hides that convenient entry point to the This PC view.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.