I'm trying Linux Mint again because it seems to be the only distribution my older laptop can run reliably. I'd like to show icons for files, folders, and applications on the desktop. Is there a setting I need to enable, or do I need to install an additional tool?
2 Answers
If you’re using the standard Cinnamon edition of Linux Mint, desktop icons should be built in. Right-click an empty area of the desktop and look for the desktop settings or customization option. You can also open System Settings and search for “Desktop,” then enable the icons you want displayed.
GNOME Tweaks is mainly useful for GNOME desktops, but Linux Mint normally uses Cinnamon, MATE, or Xfce. Installing GNOME Tweaks may not add desktop icons in Mint. First check which desktop environment you’re running, then use its own desktop settings. Cinnamon generally supports desktop icons without extra software.
I installed GNOME Tweaks, but it only showed appearance options and didn’t give me an icon setting, so I’ll check whether I’m using Cinnamon instead.

I’ll check the desktop settings and see which options are available.