2

(Not a duplicate, because the suggested fix in the linked duplicate DOES NOT WORK, read the whole post!)

I did not delete the Desktop (go to classic Win desktop) tile (icon) from the Start screen, but my system updated, rebooted, and it's gone. The Win+U command, nor the search on the start screen cannot get it back, which is the usual workaround, because it's also completely GONE from inside the start menu, even when searching.

Is there any OTHER way to repair windows or tell Windows to put that tile back?

Updates installed on the day it went screwy:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=2859541  KB2859541                                                                               
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=2862073  KB2862073                                                         
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=2864629  KB2864629

Update The accepted answer on the linked "duplicate" did not work, but sfc /scannow plus a reboot solved the issue, so while this is perhaps a duplicate, the linked accepted answer is NOT very helpful. I upvoted the answer that helped me, and since this appears to be a bug in windows 8, I hope that other people find the answer that isn't the accepted one, in the linked duplicate.

Warren P
  • 3,019

2 Answers2

2

If searching for desktop doesn't work, try the tutorial from Eightforums:

How to Restore Missing "Desktop" Tile on Start Screen in Windows 8

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/19533-desktop-restore-missing-tile-windows-8-start-screen.html

  • Download this zip and extract it:

http://www.eightforums.com/attachments/tutorials/15949d1359879003-desktop-restore-missing-tile-windows-8-start-screen-desktop.zip

  • copy the extracted desktop.lnk to %ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs
  • open Startscreen, scroll to the end and move the Tile back to where you want
magicandre1981
  • 99,606
1

Press Win + Q

The search box will automatically appear, type desk. You will see a purple tile labeled Desktop. Right click it and a menu will appear at the bottom with a button labeled Pin to start. Click that and your desktop will be back up on Start.