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Windows 11 Update – Desktop Icons and Files Missing, But Still in Desktop Folder

Anonymous
2025-06-25T03:22:08+00:00

Hi everyone,

After a recent Windows 11 update and system restart, I noticed that my desktop has become completely empty – all my icons, shortcuts, and files are gone. The wallpaper also changed automatically to the Legion default background. However, when I check C:\Users\[MyUser]\Desktop, all my files are still there. I didn’t do anything manually.

Has anyone experienced this? How can I restore my original desktop and files display? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-06-26T02:18:21+00:00

    Hi ,

    Access the task manager > look for Windows Explorer > right-click, select Restart and see if you can select it on the desktop after restarting Windows Explorer.

    Independent Advisor - Community

    Thanks

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-06-28T10:17:59+00:00

    Hi ,

    I'm glad everything went well, you can always count on the Microsoft community and have a good week.

    Hope this helps.

    Give feedback if the information was useful or not.

    Independent Advisor - Community

    Thanks

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-06-25T03:54:45+00:00

    Hi ,

    I am Ivan, I will help you with this.

    Right-click on the desktop, go to the View tab and check the option to show icons on the desktop.

    To change the wallpaper > start menu > settings > personalization > background.

    Independent Advisor - Community

    Thanks

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-06-25T04:58:22+00:00

    Hi ,

    Strange to access the device manager, take a screenshot and post it here

    Independent Advisor - Community

    Thanks

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-06-25T04:02:30+00:00

    When I right-click It does nothing. Nothing shows up. No context menu. No popup.

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