Windows 10: All apps show a blank icon and can't be opened.

So, I booted my computer up and it said scanning disk so I thought that was a bit weird.Then, it booted and the icons for all apps were gone, the windows icon button wasn't working, the search bar wasn't working, I couldn't open file explorer and when I tries the sfc /scannow it couldn't even run.

:)

 

Desktop chrome shortcut icons turned into blank papers!!!

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

It's possible that the antivirus app you installed, RAV endpoint protection, caused the issue with your Chrome shortcut icons turning into blank papers. Antivirus apps can sometimes interfere with the functioning of other programs, including changing the appearance of icons.

To resolve this issue, you can try the following steps:

1. Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor issues with icons.
   
2. Rebuild the icon cache: The icon cache is a database that stores the icons for all the files and programs on your computer. If the cache becomes corrupted, it can cause issues with icons. To rebuild the icon cache, follow these steps:
   
   • Open File Explorer and navigate to the following folder: C:\Users[Your Username]\AppData\Local
     
   • Locate the "IconCache.db" file and delete it (you may need to enable the option to show hidden files and folders in File Explorer settings).
     
   • Restart your computer.
     
3. Reset Chrome shortcuts: If the issue persists only with Chrome shortcuts, you can try resetting them by following these steps:
   
   • Right-click on the blank paper icon and select "Properties."
     
   • In the Properties window, click on the "Shortcut" tab.
     
   • Click on the "Change Icon" button.
     
   • In the "Change Icon" window, click on the "Restore Defaults" button.
     
   • Click "OK" to save the changes.
     

Please note that these steps are general suggestions, and it's always a good idea to back up your important files before making any changes to your system.

Please feel free to let me know if you have any further updates, thanks.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Icons Blank/Missing After Windows Update

I noticed this too but not on any Office or Store Apps. This worked for me, for the few that were affected with a blank page icon- go to Program Files, locate the exe for, say, VLC, and right click send shortcut to desktop. That will display correct icon. Drag shortcut to All Apps list or pin to taskbar and click replace, if prompted. The rebuild icon tutorial suggested may help with the Store or Office apps. Good Luck

 

Remove Linux Desktop Icons

I am not sure whether this will work (Ubuntu does not have icons like that on the desktop by default), but I suggest opening the trash bin and sweeping the icons into the window showing the trash bin.