The Computer icon that you’re used to seeing in Windows 7, Vista, and XP is now not available on the Desktop in Windows 8.1. However, it is not gone completely. There’s an easy way to bring it back.

NOTE: The Computer icon is now called This PC.

To put the Computer icon on the Desktop, right-click in any empty space on the Desktop and select Personalize from the popup menu.

01_selecting_personalize

On the Personalization dialog box, click the Change desktop icons link in the list on the left.

02_clicking_change_desktop_icons

On the Desktop Icon Settings dialog box, select the Computer check box so there is a check mark in the box. You can also choose to display other Desktop icons, such as the Control Panel and User’s Files. Click OK.

03_selecting_computer

Close the Personalization dialog box by clicking the Close (X) button in the upper, right corner.

04_clicking_close_button

Double-click on the This PC icon on your Desktop to open Windows Explorer and access your folders, devices, drives, and network locations.

05_this_pc_in_explorer

Now, isn’t that better? You can also make your life easier in Windows 8.1 by adding a PC Settings icon to your desktop, exploring other ways of accessing the Control Panel, and getting rid of the Modern, or Metro, environment.