---
title: "Desktop icons or Fences are missing"
canonical: "https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1331822625/Desktop%20icons%20or%20Fences%20are%20missing"
format: markdown
---
## Problem

Desktop icons or Fences are missing. 

## Solution

First, as a test, disable the Quick-hide feature:

In Fences 5, this feature can be found under the “Hide” tab of your Fences Configuration application:

![image-20240801-173538.png](media://0669624c-7079-4446-a252-ae2cbd18ee33)

Other versions of Fences may have the quick-hide setting located under the “Vanish” or “Quick-hide” tab:

![image-20240429-185029.png](media://61f3d467-a1f5-4ef0-925b-c53baf412bce)

If this does not help, please make sure you have not inadvertently put the Fence on an alternate “desktop page” using Pages.  Ensure Pages is disabled to see if the Fence \ Icon returns to your main desktop:

![image-20240429-185339.png](media://e6031709-8cb4-4d04-a10f-09559537953a)

## Automatic Layout

If all else fails, try evoking the Automatic Layout option in Fences:

[https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1331396652](https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1331396652)

Then restore a recent Fences layout Backup/Snapshot:

[https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1331331082/How+do+I+use+snapshots+in+Fences](https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1331331082/How+do+I+use+snapshots+in+Fences)