Table of Contents
- Why Do Most Windows 11 Users Struggle to Add This PC Icons to Their Desktop?
- Method 1: The Drag-and-Drop Approach
- Method 2: Using Windows Search Function
- Method 3: Through Windows Settings
- Method 4: Create Custom Shortcut
- Common Problems and Quick Fixes
- Problem: Drag-and-drop creates a copy instead of shortcut
- Problem: This PC doesn't appear in search
- Problem: Desktop icon disappears after restart
- Time-Saving Tips
Why Do Most Windows 11 Users Struggle to Add This PC Icons to Their Desktop?
I know how tedious it gets when you need to access your computer drives constantly. You click through folders. You wait for File Explorer to load. You waste precious seconds every single time.
Let me share something that changed how I work with Windows 11. Creating a "This PC" shortcut on your desktop saves you from this daily headache. It's simple. It's fast. And it works every time.
I've helped hundreds of users set up their Windows 11 systems. The ones who create desktop shortcuts work faster. They feel less stressed. They get more done.
Method 1: The Drag-and-Drop Approach
This method takes 10 seconds. Here's what you do:
- Click any folder or press Windows + E to open File Explorer
- Find This PC - Look at the left side panel
- Drag it to desktop - Click and hold "This PC" then drag it to your desktop
- Release - Let go of your mouse button
Done. You now have a This PC icon on your desktop.
Method 2: Using Windows Search Function
Sometimes the drag method doesn't work. Don't worry. Try this instead:
- Click the Windows button to open the Start Menu
- Type "This PC" - You'll see it appear in search results
- Right-click the result - Choose "Open file location"
- Copy the shortcut - Right-click the This PC icon and select "Copy"
- Paste on desktop - Right-click your desktop and choose "Paste"
Alternative quick method:
- Right-click the This PC shortcut
- Select "Show more options"
- Click "Send to"
- Choose "Desktop (create shortcut)"
Method 3: Through Windows Settings
This method works when others fail. I use it for stubborn systems:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Go to Personalization - Click it from the left menu
- Select Themes - Find it in the main area
- Click Desktop icon settings - Look under "Related settings"
- Check Computer box - This represents "This PC"
- Click Apply - Your shortcut appears instantly
Method 4: Create Custom Shortcut
Want complete control? Make your own shortcut:
- Right-click desktop - Find an empty space
- Select New - Then click "Shortcut"
- Enter this path: %windir%\explorer.exe shell:MyComputerFolder
- Click Next - Move to the naming step
- Type "This PC" - Or whatever name you prefer
- Click Finish - Your custom shortcut is ready
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
Problem: Drag-and-drop creates a copy instead of shortcut
Fix: Hold Ctrl+Shift while dragging
Problem: This PC doesn't appear in search
Fix: Use Method 3 through Settings instead
Problem: Desktop icon disappears after restart
Fix: Check if desktop icons are hidden (right-click desktop > View > Show desktop icons)
Time-Saving Tips
Once you have your This PC shortcut, you can:
- Pin it to taskbar for even faster access
- Create multiple shortcuts with different names
- Move it to a desktop folder if you prefer organization
Creating a This PC shortcut takes less than a minute. It saves you hours over time. Choose the method that feels easiest for you. Start with the drag-and-drop approach. If that doesn't work, try the search method.
Your future self will thank you for this small change. No more clicking through File Explorer menus. No more waiting for navigation panels to load. Just click your desktop shortcut and access all your drives instantly.
Try it right now. Pick one method. Follow the steps. See how much faster your workflow becomes.