To change how your items appear in File Explorer, select View on the ribbon and choose between showing icons, lists, details, and more. To reduce the space between files, select View > Compact view. To find relevant files from your PC and the cloud, search from File Explorer Home.

Use Windows Search in the taskbar or File Explorer to quickly locate files, apps, and settings. Integrated search helps return relevant results quickly, reducing time spent navigating folders.

If your desktop doesn't show any icons, right-click (or press and hold on a touch device) on the desktop and select View. Ensure that Show desktop icons is checked. If not, select it. If your desktop shows icons, but the Recycle Bin is missing, verify that it's not disabled in your desktop settings.

To show hidden files: When searching, look for all files of a certain type using the asterisk (*). For example: Some files might move during the Windows 11 upgrade. To check the location of files that are found during searching: If desired, either copy or move the files to an alternate location.

If you suddenly notice all your desktop icons have gone, this guide will help get them back. Windows: How to enable Desktop icons If you can’t see any icons at all, they may have been hidden. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop. Select View from the context menu. Click Show desktop icons (ensure it is checked). Windows: How to restore system icons (This PC, Recycle Bin, Network) If ...

This article explains how to personalize your Windows desktop by customizing default desktop icons, adding shortcuts for quick access, resizing icons to match your preferences, and showing or hiding desktop icons as needed to maintain a clean, efficient workspace.

If you can't find an app or program, try the tips in See all your apps in Windows and How to check if an app or program is installed in Windows. If you get an error message when you're uninstalling, try the Program Install and Uninstall Troubleshooter.

Learn how to use Windows File Recovery app to restore or recover lost files that have been deleted and are not in the recycle bin.

Describes how to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files in Windows.

Learn how to configure File History and how to recover files and folders that have been deleted or accidentally changed.