Windows 10: Desktop screen replaced by a few of the icons that are available; many items on taskbar...

I am running Windows 10 with automatic updates on an Acer Aspire TC-780. The computer came with software that requires me to login after not using it for a specified amount of time. I have had the computer for 2 years without a problem. This morning I came down and when I logged on only a few icons were there [representing installed functions/programs]. I tried hitting escape to get back to the previous desktop and nothing happened - the icons remained. I logged off and rebooted the computer - the Windows updates finished installing. This in itself was weird because the updates usually install automatically [as checked on the parameters] and, except for my getting updates of new things to install, I never know when the system will be updated. I run a Belarc Advisor summary every couple weeks to check on the system.


Not sure what happened or if it is connected to the updating. I use Firefox [also updated automatically], Avast, plus gmail, LibreOffice, Foxit PDF reader, amazon music and some genealogy programs. I did not use anything out of the ordinary yesterday so have not a clue what happened.


I also haven't a clue how to get back to the way the desktop looked. I can work around it and have pinned a few of the missing icons to my taskbar [including Avast].


Any advice is greatly appreciated. I remember from previous versions of 8.1 that you could restore to a previous [saved] point but apparently that is not a Windows 10 function as I cannot find it in the info for 10.

:)

 

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.

 

Problem with desktop icons

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



This issue could be caused if the Desktop Icons are hidden.

1. May I know, if you are aware of any recent changes made to the system after which you are facing this issue?
2. Which version and edition of Windows is installed on the computer?

I suggest you go through this articleShow, hide, or
resize desktop icons follow the steps, if the icons are hidden, you should get it back.



If you want to pin any icon to desktop you can check

Pin apps and folders to the desktop or taskbar and you can easily access them from the desktop screen.



If you still face the issue, reply to this post with more information.



Hope it helps.

Amit Sunar

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

icon screen

Hi Richard,

To help you better provide us with the information below.

• Which build is currently running on your computer?
• Did you make any recent software changes on your computer?

As an initial step I would suggest you Right click on Desktop Window> View > Check Shows desktop icons, check if the desktop icons are back on desktop.

Check if the Icons or files are available in the My Documents>Desktop folder, check if icons are visible in the folder.

Get back to us with the updated status of the issue for further assistance.