Windows 10: All desktop icons and apps have dissapeared but taskbar is still working

I've recently had a problem where I boot my computer up and no apps or icons that were there are now gone. I have linked up my laptop to a second monitor and used the second monitor as the main one for a while. But when I unplugged the HDMI cord that leads to my second monitor and I start using the laptop how it's suppose to be, no apps show up. The taskbar and mouse are still moving. I've gone into my files and in the desktop folder and everything I had in my desktop is in the folder. So I know they didn't get deleted off of the desktop.

:)

 

icons on desktop dissapeared

Hi,

I think you are right clicking from the Start menu desktop and I suggest you to right click from the conventional desktop not the desktop you see when you press the Start menu. And perform the actions. You may aslo drag and drop the applications
as suggested, to do so,

• 
  Click on the Start menu.
  
• 
  Select All Apps.
  
• 
  Select the apps you want to in to the desktop and drag the icons to the desktop.
  

Please do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to assist you.

Thank you.

 

System Icons on taskbar

Hi,

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Communities.

Are you referring to the clock system icon on the taskbar?

If so, I suggest you to follow the steps mentioned below:

• 
  Click on the search bar on the taskbar.
  
• 
  Type system icons.
  
• 
  Under Turn System Icons ON or OFF, turn On the Clock and check with the issue.
  

Hope it helps.

 

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.