How to Check Windows Icon Size and Desktop Icon Settings
Complexity: Easy | Time: 5 min
Windows allows you to customise the size and appearance of desktop icons. If icon settings are changed accidentally, icons may appear too large, too small, missing, or spaced incorrectly.
This guide will help you check and adjust your Windows icon settings.
Why Should I Check My Icon Settings?
You may need to review your icon settings if you experience:
• Desktop icons appearing too large or too small
• Missing desktop icons
• Icons spaced incorrectly
• Changes after a Windows update
• Difficulty locating files or shortcuts on the desktop
These issues are often caused by display or desktop view settings.
Important Notes
• Icon size changes do not affect file contents or shortcuts
• Display scaling can also affect icon appearance
• Hidden icons can often be restored through the desktop View menu
• Windows updates may occasionally reset display preferences
Steps to Change Desktop Icon Size
Go to Your Desktop
• Right-click on an empty area
• Select View and choose an icon size
• Available options include: Large, Medium, Small
• Select the size that best suits your preferences
Alternative Method Using Your Mouse
• Click on an empty area of the desktop
• Hold the Ctrl key on your keyboard
• Scroll the mouse wheel up or down
• Release the Ctrl key once the desired icon size is reached
Steps to Restore Missing Desktop Icons
• Right-click on the desktop
• Select View
• Ensure "Show desktop icons" is enabled
• Confirm icons are visible. If this option is disabled, all desktop icons will be hidden
Steps to Restore Standard Windows Desktop Icons
Open Windows Settings
• Go to Personalisation → Themes
• Select Desktop icon settings
Enable the Icons You Want Displayed
Common options include:
• This PC
• Recycle Bin
• Network
• Control Panel
• Click Apply and OK
If Icons Still Look Incorrect
• Check your display scaling settings
• Restart Windows Explorer or restart your PC
• Confirm your screen resolution is set correctly
• Check for Windows updates
Some older applications may not fully support modern DPI scaling.
What's Next?
This guide should hopefully provide insight into Windows icons!
If you need further assistance or have any questions, feel free to reach out for additional support - we're always happy to help!
