Desktop Problem.

[711]

Without warning, all my desktop icons have disappeared and the empty background picture is badly greyed out. It`s not responding to left or right clicks. I can get internet access as my task bar`s icons are still showing. Can anyone help in re activating my desktop again?
Many thanks.

[jno]

if you do a search for "settings" you might be able to get it going, but I don't know why it should have vanished in the first place.

[Buenchico]

A silly question maybe (and possibly a bit late) but have you tried turning your computer off and then on again? (Don't just use 'Restart'. Turn it off completely, wait a minute or two and then boot from cold).

It generaly fixes 9 out 10 such problems ;-)

[711]

It`s very frustrating - I can get round most things and use the PC but the desktop is completely frozen with no icons showing, and partially faded out. The taskbar icons are still in situ including "This PC". Opening this includes a desktop icon, which when clicked, reveals a complete list of everything that was on the desktop before the problem arose. I just can`t get the desktop itself to respond, apart from changing the background picture.

[Buenchico]

You've still not said whether you've tried a cold boot. (If you can't turn the PC off normally, simply use a bit of brute force and unplug it!)

Also check that Tablet Mode isn't enabled. (Start > Settings > System > Tablet Mode > Slider to 'Off').

[711]

I have tried a cold boot - no change. Also, tablet mode is not enabled.
Will renew efforts tomorrow (Sat.)

[711]

Sorry - I reiterate - efforts to be renewed tomorrow SUNDAY.

[Buenchico]

More suggestions:
https://www.minitool.com/data-recovery/fix-windows-10-desktop-icons-missing-009.html
(Ignore the 'free download' that's offered there. I've no idea whether it's safe or not. The rest of the info is valid though).

[711]

Thanks, Buenchico - I tried this but still no joy. I`ve noticed one thing though - since this has been occurring, all pages - web or otherwise - will not restore down. They are either full screen or minimised off screen. Whether or not this has anything to do with my problem I can`t imagine.

[Buenchico]

I think that this might well work for you:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-start/desktop-greyed-out-and-the-apps-are-unresponsive/ccd5d54e-1fcd-4b92-90bf-b5f887f5acb0