I ran into a query from a client recently:
“Please can you add a “This PC” shortcut to all user’s desktop for me?”
If you have rolled out a Virtual Desktop on server 2016 and are being asked how to do this, here is how via Microsoft Group Policy.
Add an Entry to a user policy like this:
PATH: -HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel
KEY: -{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}
VALUE: – 0
This will allow a “This PC” desktop icon when the users logoff and back on again.
Thank you! This helped a lot!
If user deletes This PC then in second login its not visible.
Hi Salim, in that scenario add a delete and then add to in the GPO.
Hey, thanks for sharing your knowledge. This was very useful.
You’re welcome.
Thank you very much for your help
reg add “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel” /v {20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D} /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
A simpler option is to create a shortcut instead of adding a registry entry.
User Configuration -> Preferences -> Windows Settings -> Shortcuts
– Target type: File system object
– Target path %windir%\explorer.exe
You can set a custom icon as desired.