Desktop Icons - Windows 7 - Recycle Bin - My Computer

Something that popped up in conversation the other day is how, on a Windows 7 computer, you put the Recycle Bin and Computer shortcut icons back on the Desktop. It's one of those annoying little knowledge nuggets that comes and goes for some AT users - not always at the right time!

So, let's sort this old and sometimes frustrating chestnut out right now, it's actually pretty straightforward with the live search tool.

Putting the Recycle Bin and My Computer Icons Back on the Desktop

1. Tap the WINDOWS key to open the Start Menu.
2. In the live search edit field, type in the following text to search for: show desktop icons.
3. Tap the DOWN and UP ARROW as necessary to focus on the Show or Hide Common Icons on the Desktop item. Press the ENTER key to activate it.

4. Focus now moves to the Desktop Icon Settings dialog box. This contains a group of checkboxes that allows you to switch the standard icons, such as Recycle Bin and Computer, on and off. Press TAB to move through the checkboxes and check and uncheck as necessary using the SPACEBAR.
5. Notice that each of the checkbox options also has a direct keystroke. I have listed them out here as you may find it quicker using them instead of tabbing around. The key list is as follows:
• Computer: ALT M
• User's Files: ALT U
• Network: ALT N
• Recycle Bin: ALT R
• Control Panel: ALT O
6. When you have activated the icons you need to place back on the Desktop and have finished exploring some of the other options, press TAB to move to the OK button and press SPACEBAR.

And that's it! All that is left for you to do now is to drop focus back to the Desktop and relive the glory days of Windows 95.

Until next time, have fun!