How it works
- Choose show, hide, or switch to the opposite of how they are now.
- It uses Explorer's own command, so there is no registry editing and no Explorer restart.
- If the icons are already as asked, nothing is sent.
- It reports whether the icons were visible before, so a later step can restore them.
Routines that use it
Going live
When OBS stream started or stopped reports a stream starting, hide desktop icons, and show them again when it ends.
Presentation key
A Hotkey hides the icons, sets Quiet mode and turns HDR off before you share your screen.
Clean screenshots
Hide the icons, run Take screenshot of the monitor, then show them again in the same routine.
Settings
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Turn | Show the desktop icons, hide them, or the other way round. |
Good to know
- Explorer must be running, because the desktop belongs to it.
Questions
- How do I hide all desktop icons quickly on Windows 11?
- Make a routine with a Hotkey and a Show or hide desktop icons step set to switch. One press hides them all, the next brings them back.
- Does hiding icons move or delete my files?
- No. It only hides the icons, exactly like the View menu option, and your files stay on the desktop.