By the default, elementary OS doesn't have a desktop folder - and no files can be placed onto the wallpaper. Note that this isn't just that icons don't show, there really is no desktop folder:

![][1]

Where should I store my files / folders which I normally have on my desktop?

Where can I place links to start my custom applications if not on the desktop?

If I'd still like to have an Ubuntu / Windows-like desktop, is it possible to install / activate it - and if so, how?

  [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/cSD7A.png