
Where is My Desktop in Files Windows 11?
Are you new to Windows 11 and struggling to find your desktop? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many users, especially those transitioning from previous versions of Windows, often find themselves in this predicament. In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through various methods to locate your desktop in the Files app on Windows 11.
Using the Taskbar
The simplest way to access your desktop is through the taskbar. Here’s how you can do it:
- Click on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
- Look for the “Show Desktop” button, which is usually a small rectangle icon with a grid pattern.
- Click on it, and your desktop will appear.
Using the Search Bar
Another quick method is to use the search bar. Follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the search bar.
- Type “desktop” in the search bar.
- From the search results, click on “Desktop” to open it.
Using the File Explorer
For those who prefer using the File Explorer, here’s how to find your desktop:
- Press the Windows key + E to open the File Explorer.
- In the left-hand pane, click on “This PC” or “Computer” (depending on your version of Windows 11).
- Scroll down and click on “Desktop” to open it.
Using the Run Command
The Run command is a quick way to access various folders and files on your computer. Here’s how to use it to find your desktop:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “shell:desktop” (without quotes) and press Enter.
- Your desktop will open.
Using the Task Manager
The Task Manager can also be used to access your desktop. Follow these steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Click on the “Details” tab.
- Look for “Windows Explorer” in the list of processes.
- Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “Open File Location.” This will open the File Explorer, and you can navigate to your desktop from there.
Using the Command Prompt
The Command Prompt is another way to access your desktop. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the menu.
- In the Command Prompt, type “explorer shell:desktop” (without quotes) and press Enter.
- Your desktop will open.
Using the File Explorer Context Menu
You can also access your desktop using the File Explorer context menu. Here’s how:
- Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
- Select “Show Desktop” from the menu.
Using the Taskbar Context Menu
Another method to access your desktop is through the Taskbar context menu. Follow these steps:
- Right-click on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
- Select “Taskbar settings” from the menu.
- Scroll down and toggle on the “Show desktop icon” option.
- Click on the “Show desktop icon” to open your desktop.
Using the Start Menu
The Start menu can also be used to access your desktop. Here’s how:
- Click on the Start button at the bottom left corner of your screen.
- Look for the “Desktop” icon in the left-hand pane.