How to Change or Remove Desktop Icons in Windows 11

You can use custom icons for your Windows or remove them to maintain a clean look.

Desktop icons allow you to quickly and easily access essential locations such as ‘This PC’ and ‘Recycle Bin.’ This set of icons has been available on every Windows computer since Windows XP was released.

These icons on your desktop may not be useful if you have been a Windows user for many years and you prefer to use the keyboard shortcuts to access the file manager.

Windows offers a fast and easy way for you to change or remove icons.

Change Desktop Icons in Windows 11

It is very easy to change desktop icons. However, you will need to go into the Settings app to locate the option.

1. Click on the Start button menu, then choose Settings.
   
2. Next, select Personalization from the left panel.
   
3. Scroll down and choose Theme.
   
4. After that, scroll and click on Desktop icon settings.
   
5. Select the icon you want to change in the options grid and click on the “Change Icon” button. It will open a new window on your screen.
   
6. You can choose from one of the available stock options to change the icon. Or you can go to the Browse icon and select your icon using the file explorer.
   
7. After selecting the icon you like, hit the OK button to confirm the selection and close the window.
   
8. You can lock icons to a specific theme or have different icons for each theme. Tick mark the checkbox “Allow themes to change desktop icons.” Replacing the icons will only apply to the currently used theme at the time of change.
   
9. Hit the “Apply” button and click the “OK” button to close the window.
   

Removing Desktop Icons in Windows 11

If you are using the keyboard shortcut to open file explorer or you are not interested in keeping icons on the desktop screen.

You don’t have to remove the icons from your desktop screen. Instead, you can hide them and gain easy access whenever needed with just one click.

• To hide your desktop icons, rather than removing them, right-click on the blank area. Select the “View” option, then click on the “Show desktop icons” option from the expanded context menu.
  
• To restore the desktop icons, right-click on a blank area on your desktop, then go to View and click on the “Show desktop icons” option from the expanded context menu.
  

How To remove icons completely

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Next, select Personalization from the left panel.
   
3. Scroll down and choose Theme.
   
4. After that, scroll and click on Desktop icon settings.
   
5. Uncheck your desired options, hit the Apply button to confirm and click OK to close the window.
   

How to Adjust Size of Desktop Icons in Windows 11

You can adjust the icon size by using the keyboard shortcuts or your mouse.

1. Right-click on a clean space on your desktop screen to change the icon size. Hover, move to the “View” option and click to choose one of the sizes in the expanded context menu. You will see your changes immediately.
   
2. Alternatively, you can change the sizes of the icons by using their respective keyboard shortcuts. It is a great option if you don’t want to navigate a menu to change the icon size on your desktop.
   The list of shortcuts is given below that will allow you to jump to a specific icon size. Any of the shortcuts below can be pressed while you’re on the desktop to change the icon size instantly.

Icon Size                      Keyboard Shortcut

• Small Icons                  Ctrl+Shift+4
• Medium Icons             Ctrl+Shift+3
• Large Icons                  Ctrl+Shift+2
• Extra Large Icons       Ctrl+Shift+1

Now you know how to remove or change desktop icons and how to adjust their sizes. You can now personalize your desktop to your liking and add some personality.