Windows 10: All icons, throughout my system (W10), have gone but description

The exact same issue happened to me two days ago. I tried lots of ideas to fix. Only one worked for me. You have to do a Repair Windows Install. You will not lose any of your personal files or app's if done correctly. This process does take time to complete.
After doing your repair I would also strongly recommend making a complete image backup of your C-drive using Macrium Reflect. Read Brinks Tutorial before running the repair, there is even a video to watch if you need it.
This method DOES Work !!!!

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade Installation Upgrade Tutorials

Macrium Software | Macrium Reflect Free

 

To do a repair install can I simply use my purchased Windows 10 Home 64bit USB or do I have to download to another USB the latest version with the latest updates e.g. Version and OS Build?

Tom.

 

You should d/l the MediaCreationTool like it is suggested in the tutorial, and then tell it to make your ISO on your harddrive. You don't need to use any USB drive. Can be done just by mounting the iso on your c-drive.

 

You can use your usb drive if you really want too, but its slower, than just using your c-drive. You Need the lastest version of Windows, thats why I suggest using the MediaCreationTool method.

This is going to take you a while, even on my rig, it took me over an hour or so to complete.

 

Also Tommy, after you finish repairing your Windows, and your all done, You will have a Windows.Old folder on your C-drive. This folder will be huge, you can remove it by running Disk Cleanup (Click system files) and Disk cleanup will remove your Windows.Old folder. This whole process does take a lot of time. But it will repair your Windows.

 

Old Mike,
Ok, I'll keep an eye out for that and delete it asap.

Cheers,
Tom.

 

If you have any more questions about the process, just ask me Tom, I'll be around here.

 

Just one thing, prior to clicking download on MS's website, to get the ISO, I changed the download config to English UK instead of the default US. I presume this will not be a problem as my W10 version is KW9-00017?

Tom.

 

I used English US ....if your in the UK ....then choose English UK ....there is a difference.
Choice is yours thou.

 

I'm English*Wink.

Tom.

 

*Thumbs*Thumbs *Smile

 

Should be the same as you're using currently! (Windows install language)

 

It works!!! All is fixed and the old installation deleted.

A big, big thank you to everyone especially Old Mike.

Much appreciated,
Tom.

 

Great Job Tom !!!! *Party*Party Now would be a real good time to make a complete image backup, using a program like Macrium Reflect Free. Keep it stored on a 2nd drive or offline.