Note: on a somewhat related topic, Windows 7 also lets you show or hide or desktop icons altogether (your files and folders, as well as anything else that would be visible on your desktop when all open windows are minimized, regardless of your common items settings). Notice that Windows 7 no longer shows any of the system icons you unchecked, no need to logoff or restart your computer for the change to take effect! Once you have checked icons you want visible, and unchecked icons you want hidden, click on the OK button to apply your new settings.Any checked item will be visible on your desktop: uncheck all icons you want to hide from your desktop, and conversely check or leave checked all system icons you want to show on your desktop. ini parameters like IconAreaImage and IconAreaText preventing users from setting a background picture for folders.When Windows 7 opens the Desktop Icon Settings dialog, notice that the first group of options is labeled '' Desktop icons', and displays a series of the so-called common desktop icons.Click on the ' Show or hide common icons on the desktop' search result, which should have loaded at the top of the result listing:.Type ' common desktop icons' in the start menu's search field.Follow these steps to show or hide common icons from your desktop:

Windows 7 user icons