"Desktop" - the first thing that every user sees after a full load of the operating system, if the required password is not provided. Its appearance and ease of use of the elements fixed on it largely determine the comfort of working with a computer, laptop or tablet. Regarding the setup of the main workspace, many users may object, believing that these issues belong to the field of the most basic knowledge. However, if you take the latest modifications and builds of Windows 10 as an example, a huge number of problems immediately appear. Next, we will try to consider the basic methods for setting up the "Desktop" of Windows 10, and also touch on some of the nuances of such actions. And first of all, let's focus on standard tools of the operating system itself.
Windows 10 Desktop Customization: Standard Technique
Apparently, everyone, at least once encountered Windows-systems of any generation and any modification, knows that initially you can access the screen settings directly through the PCM menu on the "Desktop".
In versions 7 and above, the menu has two items that the user needs. One is directly responsible for setting the necessary screen parameters (resolution, orientation, scaling, refresh rate, etc.), and the second serves to personalize user settings, which mostly relate to the so-called embellishments (choosing a theme, wallpaper, lock screen settings, icons, panels, etc.). Here to configure the "Windows 10 desktop & raquo; You can choose either predefined settings, or change the appearance of the screen almost beyond recognition.
In the first builds of Windows 10, access to such parameters could also be obtained from the “Control Panel in the“ Screen ”section, but in recent versions like 1803 and 1809 this possibility disappeared, and all options are set exclusively from the corresponding sections in the parameter menu.
Custom Screen Settings
In principle, when using both of the above access points to the parameters that the user needs, there is nothing complicated. Only in the first case, the installed options relate specifically to the screen settings, where special attention should be paid to setting the optimal resolution, scale and the maximum supported refresh rate, and the second option may come in handy for setting up the Windows 10 “Desktop”. In other words, this section serves to change the appearance of the main area.
For example, if you are talking about choosing your preferred theme or setting up the Windows 10 “Desktop” wallpaper, you need to use the personalization item. Here you can find a lot of predefined templates, set your own themes or wallpapers downloaded from the Internet, take the opportunity to set slide shows, etc.
However, if you are trying to use a ready-made design theme, you must first place its files in the Themes directory of the Resources folder, which is located in the main directory of the system (Windows). If this is not done, the topic will remain inaccessible. You can select pictures using the browse button.
How to put "My Computer" on the "Desktop" Windows 10?
But let's get back to some specific settings. Probably, many users at one time drew attention to the fact that in the eighth and tenth versions of Windows, the computer icon disappeared from the “Desktop”, and access to the necessary options remained possible only when using Explorer. Why developers got rid of it is unknown. Nevertheless, you can return the icon to the "Desktop" quite simply. Please note that simply creating a shortcut for the computer from the "Explorer" will not work.
But in the personalization section, you can select the theme management item, go to the settings for the “Desktop” icons in the related parameters, and then simply mark “My Computer”, after which the standard shortcut will appear in its usual location.
You can also use the registry editor (regedit), in which you need to go along the HKCU branch, as shown above, to the Explorer section, in which there is an Advanced folder, in it create a new DWORD parameter with a bit capacity of 32 bits called HideIcons, assign it a value in the form zero, exit the editor and reboot the system.
Another technique is to use the "Run" console and immediately write the necessary command in it, which is presented in the picture above. After that, the computer can not even restart.
Customize Shortcuts
Finally, setting up shortcuts on the Windows 10 “Desktop” can be done using standard techniques that were known in earlier versions, but have undergone some changes over time. In the case of standard icons, they can be configured in the same way as was shown for the computer icon. If desired, the icon of any shortcut can be changed using either a predefined set or icons developed by enthusiasts, resized, for example, when setting scaling options or panel options, etc.
The arrangement is changed by dragging the shortcuts to the desired location. You can also use the automated tools that are called up through the PCM menu in the free area, as is done for access to screen settings and personalization.
Alternative programs
If for some reason the standard methods for setting up the “Desktop” do not suit you, you can always install additional software from third-party developers on your computer and take advantage of their capabilities. Probably, many people remember a rather interesting utility called WindowBlinds. Today, there are a lot of such applications on the same Internet.