For some reason, shell directory icons showed up on my desktop

Hello Dale Webb,

From your description, it sounds like several system-related shell folders and shortcuts (e.g., Gallery, Music, Control Panel, etc.) appeared unexpectedly. This can sometimes happen due to a change in personalization settings, a registry tweak, or a theme configuration that includes additional desktop icons.

Since the steps you tried with Copilot didn’t resolve the issue, here are a few additional things you can check:

Recommended Steps:

1. Check Desktop Icon Settings Right-click on your desktop and select Personalize Go to Themes > Desktop icon settings Uncheck any items you don’t want displayed and click Apply
2. Review Folder View Options Open File Explorer, go to the View tab Select Options > Change folder and search options Under the View tab, make sure “Show all folders” is unchecked
3. Check for Active Themes or Custom Shell Tweaks Go to Settings > Personalization > Themes If a custom theme is applied, try switching to a default Windows theme to see if the icons disappear

Let me know how it goes, and if this answer helps, feel free to hit “Accept Answer” so others can benefit too 😊

T&B,

Domic Vo.

The only screen customization I have done is add a new picture.

Don't recall if the icon change occurred before or after I changed it. As you can see, your suggestions made no changes.

Any other suggestions?