Windows 10: Icons gone, labels still there

Today, I started up my computer and, for some reason, all of the icons for my applications, folders, and all other files were missing, but the names were still there. I also noticed that the icons for my applications in the taskbar were replaced with generic .exe icons.




The same thing applies to my folders.




As I continued to use my computer, I found that all of the icons would appear when downloading a file from the internet or attaching a file to an email.




I have restarted my computer several times, restarted explorer.exe, and rebuilt my icon cache, but nothing has happened. This is really annoying and I hope there is an easy fix for it.

Thanks. *Smile

:)

 

Desktop icons missing. Text labels are there.

We appreciate your response. Microsoft delivers Windows Defender updates through
Windows Update, through Automatic Updates, and through
Windows Server Update Service. There is a possibility that you are getting this error message because of problems with these services instead of with problems with
Windows Defender.

To address your concern with updating Windows Defender, we suggest that you manually install the update definitions. To do so, follow the detailed steps provided on this
link.

With regard to your concern with missing icons on your Desktop, since the issue persist with other user profile, we conclude that you are experiencing this issue due to a system file corruption on your computer. To resolve this, we suggest running these
troubleshooting methods:

Method 1: Run the System
File Checker tool.

It is a utility that allows users to scan for corruptions in Windows system and restore corrupted files. The link contains further information about how to run the
System File Checker tool.

Method 2: Run the Deployment
Image Servicing and Management tool.

This tool will automatically repair the components of your Windows operating system, and records the corruptions to the log file. The process generally takes 15-30 minutes depending on the corruption and size
of the partition.

To run the DISM
tool, follow these steps:

• Press Windows key+ X,
  then click on Command Prompt (Admin).
  If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Yes.
• In Command Prompt, type
  DISM /Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth,
  then hit Enter.
• Once the scan is finished, restart your
  computer.

Note: While
running the
DISM tool on your computer, if any bad sectors are found on the system, data loss might occur. We suggest that you backup your files
before running DISM.

If you'll need further assistance, we are here to help.

 

Desktop icons missing. Text labels are there.

Hi,

To further isolate your concern, we suggest that you create a Test User Profile. Using the Test User Profile, try to install the update for Window Defender and check if you will have the same issue with missing icons. This is for us to check
if the issue is isolated with one User Profile account or multiple accounts.

To create a test user profile, follow these steps:

• 
  On Search, type Setting then hit the
  Enter key.
  
• 
  On Settings window, select Accounts.
  
• 
  Select Family & other people.
  
• 
  Select Add someone else to this PC.
  
• 
  Name the user profile as TEST.
  
• 
  Assign a password for TEST user, then select
  Next.
  
• 
  Sign in TEST user.
  

We will be waiting for your response.

 

Hi,
Welcome to the forums, give this a try:Rebuild Icon Cache in Windows 10

 

I have already tried rebuilding my cache, nothing happened.