Add Home Directory Icon to the Desktop in Windows Vista

One of the new changes in Windows Vista is that each user has a “Home” directory that is actually accessible and meant to be used. In XP and 2k, you had a hidden home directory that you weren’t meant to muck around in.

Some of the new features, like the Downloads directory, are only accessible through your Home directory, which is why it makes sense to put an icon for it right on the desktop.

To do this, click the Start button, and then right click on your User name. Choose the Show on Desktop option:

Now your home directory icon should show up on your desktop:

The Geek is the founder of How-To Geek and a geek enthusiast. This article was written on 01/2/07 and tagged with: Desktop Customization, Windows Vista

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Comments (3)

1. October 24, 2007 11:41 pm
   Cynthia Southall

   Thank you for the tips Geek!

   When I right-click on my username, I don’t see an option labeled ‘Show on Desktop’. Guiess I’ll go looking for that fix. Thanks again!

2. January 29, 2008 4:45 pm
   Mark S.

   You can also change the icon as well, the same way that you change your other desktop icons.

3. February 18, 2008 6:47 am
   Dan-O

   Can’t you right-click the desktop and go to “properties” and change it there? I’m not at home in front of my Vista Desktop, but I’m sure that it is just as simple that way, too. This method may help Cynthia!