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Showing the network icon on the desktop in Windows 10 can be a helpful feature for users who frequently access their network settings or need quick access to network-related options. The network icon provides a convenient shortcut to access network settings, troubleshoot network issues, or connect to different networks. In this blog post, we will discuss why you might need to show the network icon on your desktop and explore several methods to achieve this.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Show the Network Icon on Your Desktop
There are several reasons why you might want to show the network icon on your Windows 10 desktop. Firstly, having the network icon readily available can save you time when you need to access network settings or troubleshoot connectivity issues. Instead of navigating through multiple menus, you can simply click on the network icon for quick access.
Moreover, the network icon provides useful information about your network connection status. By glancing at the icon, you can quickly determine if your computer is connected to a network, if there are any connectivity issues, or if you need to connect to a different network.
Having the network icon on your desktop can also be beneficial for users who frequently switch between different networks. Instead of going through the settings each time, you can simply click on the network icon and select the desired network to connect to.
Now that we understand the importance of having the network icon on your desktop, let’s explore several methods to achieve this.
Method 1: Via the Desktop Icon Settings
To show the network icon on your desktop using the desktop icon settings, follow these steps:
Step 1: Right-click on an empty area on your desktop.
Step 2: Select "Personalize" from the context menu.
Step 3: In the Personalization settings window, click on "Themes" from the left-hand menu.
Step 4: Scroll down and click on "Desktop icon settings" under the "Related Settings" section on the right-hand side.
Step 5: In the Desktop Icon Settings window, check the box next to "Network" and click "OK".
Step 6: The network icon will now appear on your desktop.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to show the network icon.
2. Provides quick access to network settings.
3. Allows for easy network troubleshooting.
Cons:
1. Limited customization options for the appearance of the network icon.
Method 2: Using Local Group Policy Editor
If you have the Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition of Windows 10, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor to show the network icon on your desktop. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "gpedit.msc" and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 3: In the Local Group Policy Editor window, navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Desktop.
Step 4: On the right-hand side, double-click on "Hide and disable all items on the desktop".
Step 5: In the settings window that appears, select "Not Configured" or "Disabled" and click "OK".
Step 6: Close the Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 7: Right-click on an empty area on your desktop and select "Refresh".
Step 8: The network icon will now appear on your desktop.
Pros:
1. Provides more advanced control over the desktop settings.
2. Can be used to customize various desktop icons and features.
Cons:
1. Only available in the Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions of Windows 10.
2. Requires administrative access to the Local Group Policy Editor.
Method 3: Via Registry Editor
Another method to show the network icon on your desktop involves using the Registry Editor. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 3: In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Step 4: On the right-hand side, right-click on an empty area and select "New" > "DWORD (32-bit) Value".
Step 5: Name the new value "DisableNotificationCenter" (without the quotes) and press Enter.
Step 6: Double-click on the newly created value and set the value data to 0.
Step 7: Click "OK" and close the Registry Editor.
Step 8: Right-click on an empty area on your desktop and select "Refresh".
Step 9: The network icon will now appear on your desktop.
Pros:
1. Provides more control over desktop settings than the desktop icon settings.
2. Can be used to customize other desktop features as well.
Cons:
1. Requires modifying the Windows Registry, which can be risky if not done correctly.
2. Mistakes in modifying the Registry could cause system instability.
Method 4: Using Command Prompt
For users comfortable with using the Command Prompt, this method can be an efficient way to show the network icon on the desktop. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt" or "Command Prompt (Admin)".
Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: reg add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer /v NoControlPanel /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Step 3: Close the Command Prompt window.
Step 4: Right-click on an empty area on your desktop and select "Refresh".
Step 5: The network icon will now appear on your desktop.
Pros:
1. Utilizes the command line interface for quick and efficient execution.
2. Provides another alternative for advanced users.
Cons:
1. Requires familiarity with the Command Prompt.
2. Modifying Registry settings should be done with caution.
What to Do If You Can’t Show the Network Icon
If you are unable to show the network icon on your desktop using the methods mentioned above, here are a few fixes you can try:
1. Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor issues and bring back missing desktop icons.
2. Update your drivers: Make sure you have the latest network drivers installed on your computer. Updating the drivers can help fix compatibility issues.
3. Run the System File Checker: The System File Checker utility can scan and repair corrupted system files that may be causing issues. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type "sfc /scannow" followed by Enter.
4. Create a new user account: If the issue persists, try creating a new user account and check if the network icon appears on the desktop.
5. Perform a system restore: If all else fails, you can try performing a system restore to revert your computer back to a previous state when the network icon was visible.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your network icon experience on Windows 10:
1. Customize the network icon: Right-click on the network icon and select "Open Network & Internet settings". From there, you can customize your network settings, including enabling or disabling Wi-Fi, managing VPN connections, or changing network properties.
2. Create a shortcut to the network connections: Right-click on the desktop, navigate to "New" > "Shortcut". In the location field, enter "explorer.exe shell:::{7007ACC7-3202-11D1-AAD2-00805FC1270E}" and click "Next". Name the shortcut as desired and click "Finish". This will create a shortcut to the network connections on your desktop.
3. Use keyboard shortcuts: To quickly access network settings, press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, and then press the letter "N" on your keyboard to jump to the Network & Internet section.
5 FAQs
Q1: How can I hide the network icon on my desktop?
A: To hide the network icon on your desktop, you can follow the steps mentioned in Method 1 and uncheck the box next to "Network" in the Desktop Icon Settings window.
Q2: Are these methods applicable to other versions of Windows?
A: These methods are specifically for Windows 10, as the steps may vary for other versions of Windows. However, the concepts behind showing or hiding desktop icons remain similar across different versions of Windows.
Q3: Can I customize the appearance of the network icon?
A: Unfortunately, the built-in customization options for the network icon in Windows 10 are limited. However, third-party software or custom icon packs may provide additional customization options.
Q4: What if I accidentally delete the network icon from my desktop?
A: If you accidentally delete the network icon from your desktop, you can easily restore it using the methods mentioned in this blog post.
Q5: Can I add other desktop icons using these methods?
A: Yes, you can add other desktop icons using the Desktop Icon Settings method mentioned in Method 1. Simply check the boxes next to the desired icons in the Desktop Icon Settings window to add them to your desktop.
Final Thoughts
Showing the network icon on your Windows 10 desktop provides easy access to network settings, troubleshooting options, and quick network connection management. By following the methods mentioned in this blog post, you can ensure that the network icon is readily available on your desktop. Remember to exercise caution when making changes to your computer’s settings or registry, and always create a backup before proceeding.