How to fix a desktop icon

At times, you notice that certain shortcut icons on your desktop are blanked out i.e they are displayed in plain white color. It is important to note that, the apps would open and function normally. The Icons are blanked out probably because the Icon Cache is corrupted. This happens when the system is Shutdown abruptly.

If you are looking forward to fixing this issue, then simply go through the fixes listed in this article. It is better to execute the fixes in the same order as listed below.

Fix 1: Delete the Icon Cache

Step 1: Holding the keysWindows key+R will open the Runterminal.

Step 2: Type appdata and then click on OK.

Step 3: In the Appdatafolder,double click on the Localfolder to access it.

Step 4: Now, Click on Viewfrom the top menu. Tick on Hidden items

Step 5: Scroll down and locate the Iconcachefile.

Step 6: Right-click on the Iconcache file. Click on Delete.

Step 7: Close the Window

Step 8: Now, Press CTRL + SHIFT + Esc keys together to open task manager.

Step 9: Now, the task manager will open up

Step 10: Make sure you are in the Process tab.

Step 11: Locate Windows Explorer from the list and right-click on it

Step 12: Choose Restart from the context menu.

Step 5: Restart the computer. Windows will re-build the icon cache.

Fix 2: Manually Change the Icons

This fix can be used when a lesser number of icons have blanked out.

Step 1: Right-click on the Icon that has blanked out.

Step 2: Make sure you are in the Shortcut tab

Step 3: Click on the Change Icon button

Step 4: Select the Icon of your Choice and Click on OK

Step 5: In the Properties window, click on Apply

Step 6:If you see an Access denied prompt, click on Continue

Step 7: Finally, click the Ok Button in the Properties window.

When there are more apps, this method can be time-consuming. So, try the below fixes.

Fix 3: Repair Windows image using DISM

Step 1: Open Run Dialog. Use the shortcutWindows logo key+r

Step 2: In the Dialog, typecmdand pressCtrl+Shift+Enter

Step 3: In the command prompt window that opens, Enter the following commands. Please dont forget to hit Enter after each command.

Step 4: Restart your system and check if the Icons re-appear

If not, try the next fix.

Fix 4: Disable the tablet Mode

Many users have reported, merely disabling the tablet mode has helped them solve this issue.

Step 1: Holding the keys Windows+R, open the Run terminal

Step 2: Typems-settings:tabletmode and hit Enter

Step 3: In the appearing Settings > System > Tablet window, choose Never use tablet mode from the When I signdrop-down

Step 4: Restart the computer

Fix 5: Reset the Windows

Step 1: HoldWindows+R and open the Run Terminal

Step 2: Typems-settings:recovery and press Enter

Step 3: In the Settings > Update & Security > Recovery window that opens, Under the Reset this PCsection, click onGet Startedbutton.

Step 4: In theReset this PCwindow that opens, click onKeep my Files.

Step 5: Follow the onscreen instructions as shown in the window and do the needful. Once, the PC is Reset, Check if the Camera starts working. If not try the next fix.

Thats All

We hope this article has been informative. Kindly comment and let us know which of the above fixes helped.

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