Do you find yourself completely satisfied with the aesthetics of your desktop and then suddenly notice a blank icon? It's pretty boring, isn't it? The blank icon issue is nothing new, and Windows 11 isn't immune either. There can be many reasons for it, such as icon cache issues or outdated apps. Well, if you too find your OCD self seeing this blank icon ruining the whole atmosphere like I do, let me tell you how to fix blank icons in Windows 11.
How to Fix Blank Icons in Windows 11
There are multiple ways to fix blank icons on the desktop in Windows. Windows 11 Depending on the cause, we've listed the most common ways to troubleshoot this issue below.
Method 1: Add app icons manually
Follow the steps below to manually add the missing app icon in the empty icon file:
1. Right-click on the empty icon and select "Characteristics" From the context menu, as shown.
2. In the tab abbreviation in window Characteristics , click the button Change icon….
3. In the Change Icon window, select icon that you want from the list and click "OK".
4. Click Apply > OK To save these changes.
Method 2: Run DISM and SFC scans
Here's how to fix blank icons in Windows 11 by running DISM and SFC scans:
1. Press Windows key And type Command Prompt. Click Run as administrator To start the elevated command prompt.
2. Click "Yeah" In the User Account Control prompt.
3. Write Specific commands and press the key Enter To scan and fix problems in operating system files:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /scanhealth
- DISM / online / image cleaning / health recovery
Note: Your computer must be connected to the Internet for this command to work properly.
4. Restart computer and open Command Prompt who has been promoted again.
5. Execute the command sfc /scannow , As shown below.
6. Restart your computer.
Method 3: Restart Windows Explorer
Here's how to fix blank icons on Windows 11 by restarting Windows Explorer:
1. Press the keys Ctrl + Shift + Esc Together to open Task Management.
2. Scroll down the list of active processes in the tab. Operations And click Windows Explorer.
3. Then click "Reboot" In the lower right corner, as shown in the figure.
Method 4: Clear the icon cache
Another way to fix blank icons on Windows 11 is to clear the icon cache. Follow these steps to do so:
1. Press the keys Windows + E Together to open File Explorer.
2. Click "an offer" in the menu bar.
3. From the menu that appears, click Show > Hidden Items , As shown below.
4. Type the following website path in the address bar and press the key. Enter:
C:\Users\ \AppData\Local
5. Scroll down and select the file named IconCache.db
6. Delete File By pressing the keys Shift+Del together.
7. Click delete In the confirmation message and restart your computer.
Method 5: Update the annoying app
It can't be stressed enough that you should update all your apps, at all times, at all costs. Most issues you encounter with any software can be resolved with a simple update. App updates depend on the app and the source of the app.
- If you installed the app from the Microsoft Store, you can update it from the Library page in the Microsoft Store app.
- If you installed the application using an installer downloaded from the Internet, click the update option in the application itself.
- Or download the update from the official app website and install the update manually like any other normal installation.
You can follow our article about How to update apps on Windows 11 For a more comprehensive explanation of the same.
Method 6: Reinstall the annoying app
As is quite clear, all app-related issues can be fixed by reinstalling the app. You can also do the same from the Settings app, as follows:
1. Press Windows + X To open a menu Quick Link For Windows 11.
2. Click Applications and Features from the list.
3. Scroll through the list of installed apps and tap on three-dot icon For the app you want to uninstall. For example: uTorrent.
4. Select an option uninstall , as shown.
5. Click "uninstall" In the pop-up confirmation window, as shown.
We hope this article helps you understand how to fix blank icons in Windows 11. Send us your suggestions and questions in the comments section below.
