Windows 10: Icons Missing (displayed as blank white pages)

My current PC status: (purchased new in October 2018 with Windows preinstalled)

Edition: Windows 10 Home

Version: 1803 (latest update as of Jan. 21, 2019)

OS Build: 17134.556


My Problem:

File icons (both in the File Explorer & on the Desktop) are showing up as blank white pages as opposed to the actual icon associated with the default application for that file type.


As far as I can tell, this problem only applies to file types that have a Microsoft app designated as the default app for that file type. For example, currently on my PC, JPGs are associated with Microsoft Photos, so all of the JPG files have a blank white page for an icon instead of a Photos app icon. This problem also applies to all of the Microsoft office products like Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.. When I change the default app to a non-Microsoft app, the respective icon shows up.


Here's a screenshot:



I've done a lot of research lately and I've tried everything I could find, including the most common approach of deleting/rebuilding iconcache.db, of which I tried several different methods and still no success. Some people mentioned that it could be a registry problem and the solution is to copy over specific files that are missing from another computer, but I also read that doing that is an easy way to introduce a virus, so I've avoided it thus far.


I'd rather not reinstall Windows if I can avoid it, so hopefully someone here can help! Does anybody know what could possibly be my issue? Any solution?


Thanks!

:)

 

Internet Explorer shortcut icons displaying as blank white page icon

After installing windows 10, I tried creating a desktop shortcut for a web page. I just realised that the sortcut icon is just a blank white page which used to be a world graphics on previous versions.

Is this a bug, can anyone else please confirm that this is the case for them?

Thanks

 

Icons Blank/Missing After Windows Update

I noticed this too but not on any Office or Store Apps. This worked for me, for the few that were affected with a blank page icon- go to Program Files, locate the exe for, say, VLC, and right click send shortcut to desktop. That will display correct icon. Drag shortcut to All Apps list or pin to taskbar and click replace, if prompted. The rebuild icon tutorial suggested may help with the Store or Office apps. Good Luck

 

ALL icons missing/blank (desktop, taskbar, explorer)

Hi dalchina,

Thanks for your response.

I tried the steps suggested in your links but neither have worked :/