Below are the steps on how you can add the desktop icon back into the Microsoft Windows Quick Launch section of the Taskbar if it’s removed.

  • Click Start and in the Run box type: notepad and press Enter.
  • Copy and paste the below text into notepad.

[Shell]Command=2IconFile=explorer.exe,3[Taskbar]Command=ToggleDesktop

  • Save the file as desktop.scf.
  • Once this file is saved, you can place this shortcut in your Quick Launch bar or anywhere on your computer. Then double-click the shortcut to return to the Windows desktop.
  • See the desktop and Quick Launch definition for further information and related links.
  • Microsoft Windows help and support.