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windows 10 desktop icons missing

My HP laptop is wonky. I turned it on and all I see is the wallpaper and in the middle of the screen is my name and an icon for a person (I never uploaded my pic). I tried clicking ctl/alt/delete but nothing happens. I tried restarting and it just spins and spins.

I rarely use this laptop but need it today because an online form that I need to fill out does not work with macs. Any idea how to fix?

John

To do an in-line Repair Install or run other corrective processes it need to start. Do I understand it does not start at all?

Shut it down (power off), start up and see if you can press F8 quickly enough to get into Safe Mode. Can you?

If you cannot do anything at all, you will need to backup the hard drive (remove it to do this). and then do a fresh install of Windows 10.

nsitedesigns

ASKER

I can see the wallpaper (field of wildflowers) and my name in the middle of the screen. Below my name is a spinning circle showing it is trying to do start. There is nothing else to see.

I turned off computer and turned on and immediately pressed f8. I held f8 for about 30 seconds. Didn't have any impact at all on site.

John

You need to do a backup and fresh install of Windows 10. You can use the Media Creation Link for this.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

You may be able to get custom media from the computer manufacturer and that will be preferable if they can supply it.

fred hakim

If you have not used it in a while, it could just be catching up on updates.

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nsitedesigns

ASKER

Yea! I was able to shut down and then restart holding the shift key. Now I see the desktop and icons. Thanks!