How can I enable desktop icons in Linux Mint?
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MellowPine42
I'm trying Linux Mint again because it seems to be the only operating system my older laptop can run reliably. I'd like to show files, folders, and shortcuts directly on the desktop. Is there a setting or package I need to enable?
Answers
GNOME Tweaks is probably the wrong tool here because Mint commonly runs Cinnamon. Check which desktop environment you’re using with `echo $XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP`; if it says Cinnamon, look for the Desktop settings in System Settings. If you’re using Xfce instead, open Desktop settings and check the Icons tab.
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Linux Mint usually uses Cinnamon, not GNOME, and Cinnamon supports desktop icons by default. Open System Settings, go to Desktop, and make sure desktop icons are enabled. You can then choose which icons—such as Home, Trash, mounted drives, or network locations—should appear.
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MellowPine42: I tried installing GNOME Tweaks, but it didn’t show an option for desktop icons—only some appearance settings.