Oh – I apologize for taking things for granted. Yes, you have to right-click on the Desktop and select Refresh. More info on this here if you need – https://www.thewindowsclub.com/refresh-desktop-folder-windows Regards :)

Indeed I did read your entire article, including that very line. I simply meant that while your article twice states that “Helge Neumann recommends below in the comments that your Refresh the desktops”, it doesn’t explain how to do that. I then scrolled to the comments to discover the method (a simple right-click). I don’t think I’ve ever refreshed the desktop for any reason, so I didn’t know how. I feel that if your two comments above were embellished just a bit, they’d be that much more helpful to an average user. Thank you for publishing this article giving insight into this bizarre phenomenon!

You didn’t read … 2nd para (only line) – “Before you proceed, read Helge Neumann’s simple tip below to Refresh the desktop – and make it go away.”

Much easier! I wish TWC would credit you AND put this info up at the top rather than making me search for it. I’ve been using Win 8 since it came out, and never had this happen until today.

Your tip worked for me too so thanks. The HG icon appeared right after a windows update which might be a coincidence.