Putting the "My Computer" Icon on the Windows 7 Desktop

You just got your new Windows PC and you like it! However, there is no My Computer icon - or shortcut - on the desktop or in the Start Menu. Hmmm.

If you're like most folks, you use the My Computer or Computer shortcut (Windows Explorer) a lot in order to look at your various files and folders, drives, and other settings.

In Windows 7, "My Computer" is just called "Computer", but on some new computers the icon shortcut is missing; it doesn't display anywhere on the desktop.

However, it is not difficult to ask Windows 7 to display the "Computer" icon. So follow these steps to learn how to place a shortcut to My Computer on Windows 7:

► Right-click in a blank area of the desktop and click Personalization

► On the left sidebar, click Change desktop icons

► On the "Desktop Icon Settings" window, click to place a checkmark in the box next to "Computer." Optionally, from this window you can also:

Place a checkmark next to any of the other choices: User's Files, Network, Recycle Bin, and Control Panel

Change the icon for any of these five shortcuts by clicking on the icon, clicking Change Icon, selecting a different icon, and clicking OK.

► Click Apply and click OK

That's it! For more Windows 7 desktop customizing options, please see our tutorial How to Customize the Windows 7 Desktop.

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