Windows 10: "Desktop icon settings" does not work anymore

In Settings > Themes I used to be able to click "Desktop icon settings".
But no more. Now I get "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item".

I first discovered this on my laptop, which was recently punished with 1903. I thought the new version reset my desktop icons (This PC, Documents, etc.), so I wanted to change things back ... and failed.

On my desktop (deemed "not ready" for 1903) I'm running 1809. It gives the same failure ... and I am unable to access "Desktop icon settings".

Whuzzup with that? What can I do to fix this?

:)

 

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.

 

Desktop Icons

Hello Glenda,

Share this information to assist you better.

• Is the issue particular to the Comcast?
• Have you installed all the pending updates?
• Did you try changing icons of other shortcuts?

Follow the steps and check if it helps:

Step 1: Press Windows+I to open Settings panel, and click
Personalization to access Personalization settings.

Step 2: Tap Change desktop icons on the top left in the Personalization window.

Step 3: In the Desktop Icon Settings window, select the icon of
This PC and click Change Icon.

Step 4: Choose a new icon from the list, and tap OK.

Step 5: Click OK to confirm the change.

Let us know the status of the issue.

 

Desktop Icons Won't Stay Put

Hi Laurie,

As per the issue description I understand that you are facing issues with desktop icons.

I suggest you try the following step in order to arrange the icons.

• Right click on the desktop.
• Click on view
• Check the option auto arrange icons.

Let us know if this helps.

Thanks.