Desktop on new install


Hollywood

Well-known member
Member
Local time
11:20 AM
Posts
193
OS
Windows 11
I reload Windows several time a year. I want to avoid any contaminated files, and ....I enjoy it. One thing I noticed for many years and Windows editions....

After installing the stuff I usually use, I organize the icons on the desktop to my preference. After doing just about anything on the computer or a reboot, the icons revert to their previous unorganized positions. I then move them around again, and same thing happens for several more times. At some point they stay where I put them.

This has been consistent over the years.
This has been consistent over different versions of Windows.
This is after I set View=Auto and Sort=Type
does it take X number of tries intentionally?

Anyone know why it takes several attempts or what triggers the ability for the icons to stay in their new positions?

Thanks!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
There are two Windows Desktop folders. I am curious if some of the icons stay where you put them and some of them don't, and the ones that don't, are they situated in one if these folders?

Folders are as follows:
C:\Users\Public\Desktop
C:\Users\UserName\Desktop
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    System-Backup-OS-Build_22631.4249
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (4th Gen?)
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    4 x LG 23MP75 - 2 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / MX Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    100/40Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build: 22631.4249
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.
Maybe it’s the icon file? Maybe the positions don’t get written to the file properly or within the time between rearranging them and rebooting.
I use Stardock Fences5 so my icons are where I want them in the group I want them and hidden until I mouse over the group (Fence)

Try deleting the icon file, then move your icons and see if when it reboots and reads the new file, the icons are in the place you put them

  • Press Windows key + R to bring up the Run dialog. Type: %userprofile% (or click on that to copy) and click OK. The User folder will open.
  • Make sure hidden items are visible by clicking the View> Show>Hidden items, or options in File Explorer, make sure hide protected files is unchecked.
  • Open the AppData folder.
  • Open the Local folder.
  • Within the Local folder select the IconCache file and click Delete.
Now arrange the desktop icons and restart the computer.

Undo what you did with hidden files, for future protection.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    System-Backup-OS-Build_22631.4249
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (4th Gen?)
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    4 x LG 23MP75 - 2 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / MX Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    100/40Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build: 22631.4249
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.
Interesting ideas! I have 15 icons on my desktop, including This PC and Recycle Bin.

I never gave it any thought, but you are right, there are 8 icon/files in my user/desktop folder, and there are 5 in the public/desktop folder, (the 2 other being the system This PC and Recycle Bin).

Should I move the Public ones to my local folder? I wonder if that is the issue of needing several tries of sorting before they stay put?

It's not really a problem since I know they eventually stay, but it seems like a game or mystery.

and, I wrote the original post about an hour or so ago after arranging the icons twice. As I am replying now, they are not as I left them. I will try again right now and report back. FYI, I just did that and right clicked and refreshed the Desktop. The icons did not move (yet). Lets reboot....

Thanks for your replies. I will monitor this and see what happens.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 2600.1742
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External +512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 19045.3930
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 9020
    CPU
    i7-4770
    Memory
    24 gb
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    256 gb Toshiba BG4 M.2 NVE SSB and 1 tb hdd
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell factory
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still not telling
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
As I am replying now, they are not as I left them. I will try again right now and report back. FYI, I just did that and right clicked and refreshed the Desktop. The icons did not move (yet). Lets reboot....
OK, the icon locations survived the reboot, so it took about 2 or 3 tries (since I wrote the original post) and then they stay. Just though I'd share and inquire if anyone else sees this.

I see 2 of you linked to "icon" programs. I would actually like to have a mostly hidden area for different projects icons. I will look into them. Thank you!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Should I move the Public ones to my local folder?
What I would do, is move them but copy them somewhere else first. Then delete the from the folder you're moving them from.
To my knowledge, nothing should happen and the icons once moved to the other folder should still show on your desktop.

I don't know how Microsoft discriminates re which folder an icon should go.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    System-Backup-OS-Build_22631.4249
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (4th Gen?)
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    4 x LG 23MP75 - 2 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / MX Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    100/40Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build: 22631.4249
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.
What I would do, is move them but copy them somewhere else first. Then delete the from the folder you're moving them from.
To my knowledge, nothing should happen and the icons once moved to the other folder should still show on your desktop.

I don't know how Microsoft discriminates re which folder an icon should go.
That is my thought too. Even though the icons are stable now, it is just in my nature to have consistency and put them in one location. I am the only user on this computer, but I assume the public ones are available to other users if there were any.

Thinking about this, I don't think the user/public storage has anything to do with why the initial sorting doesn't hold though, especially since they are holding now.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
I'm kinda curious what you're doing that I'm not. I just do not see this issue with arranging icons. I have installed Win10/11 countless times in the last 3 or 4 years on multiple systems and do not see this issue occurring. Unless you're arranging your Desktop icons in some funky way. Or some other user setting you are using that I am not.

In years past I've had reoccurring issues with icon placement but it really only occurred in relation to monitor sleep mode using 2 monitors.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 7/10/11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    I'm a computer enthusiast so have quite a few systems that I run. More like an advanced hobby.
I'm kinda curious what you're doing that I'm not. I just do not see this issue with arranging icons.
I install of the programs I like and make sure there is a desktop icon. Some programs I use as "portable" in a folder just like Program Files. Same thing, I drag a shortcut to the desktop for each one.

I then create 2 desktop folders, Utilities and Multimedia. I move most of the icons to those 2 folders. That leaves me with a clean desktop with about 13 icons left (not in the 2 folders).

I then right click and set View to Auto arrange icons and Sort to Item type. It moves the This PC and Recycle Bin to the top, then the folders and then the rest. Then I arrange those that are not system or folder icons manually as I like to see them.

In case you are thinking it is my "sort" settings (and it might be), my personal sort eventually stays after 3 or 4 tries. Same for years.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
set View to Auto arrange icons and Sort to Item type.
Checking again, when the icons stayed put, I see Windows un-ticked Sort>Item type. Maybe I should not tick that to begin with, but it does do an initial sort close to what I like.

This might be solved!

Thanks!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    System-Backup-OS-Build_22631.4249
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (4th Gen?)
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    4 x LG 23MP75 - 2 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / MX Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    100/40Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build: 22631.4249
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.
Take a look at Stardock Fences5 and if you have any questions about it, ask.

I was just about to do that. I an not opposed to paying for some software, but as I am always messing around with things and reloading Windows, I need to be sure I don't waste money.

They have a yearly subscription that would not work for me, but scrolling down I see a permanent license. I thought that looks ok, and thought it was for 5 machines, turns out 5 is the version number.:( It is still doable if it survives a Windows reinstall.

1720057177335.png

It's 111 degrees at 6:30 PM here in Las Vegas. I will look to see if the program fits my needs after a dip in the pool.:cool:

Thanks
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Take a look at Stardock Fences5 and if you have any questions about it, ask.
I gave this a real QUICK look and see it is nice and clean. I tried to imagine how I would use it. I can see this can be complex or very simple. There was a built in Fence called Files & Documents that I put in a few shortcuts to folders. That would be all I need.

For me all I need is a small hidden fence that is docked to the top right of the screen (or near there). I would hover over (or how ever it would open) and the small window would appear. I would only put in shortcuts as in the traditional Windows and the shortcuts would open a File Explorer for that project or run a program.

So basically I just need one docked "fence" that is somehow hidden area/fence/window.

In my case, this program would be overkill. It appears to hide the fence window when you double click on the desktop, but it also hides the unfenced icons too.

I didn't really give this a lot of time, but I did visualize what I want and how I would use it. I am going to explore some freeware options as I now see what my needs are, and they are minimal.

Thanks for your suggestion and offer for help. You really did give me an idea of what I want to do!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
I gave this a real QUICK look and see it is nice and clean. I tried to imagine how I would use it. I can see this can be complex or very simple. There was a built in Fence called Files & Documents that I put in a few shortcuts to folders. That would be all I need.

For me all I need is a small hidden fence that is docked to the top right of the screen (or near there). I would hover over (or how ever it would open) and the small window would appear. I would only put in shortcuts as in the traditional Windows and the shortcuts would open a File Explorer for that project or run a program.

So basically I just need one docked "fence" that is somehow hidden area/fence/window.

In my case, this program would be overkill. It appears to hide the fence window when you double click on the desktop, but it also hides the unfenced icons too.

I didn't really give this a lot of time, but I did visualize what I want and how I would use it. I am going to explore some freeware options as I now see what my needs are, and they are minimal.

Thanks for your suggestion and offer for help. You really did give me an idea of what I want to do!


Everything you said is basically correct, and yes I would go the lifetime option.

  • There are no set default fences unless you tell it to make them during near the end of installing Fences.
  • To create a Fence you hold you left mouse button down and drag it a little on your desktop, a pop-up will ask to create a Fence here or create a Portal
  • You can name your Fence, change its appearance extensively and set certain rules for the Fences
  • You can create Fences to catch or sort specific file types and move them to their appropriate Fence. You can set a rule to organise shortcuts by name, time and other rules etc
  • It can organise literal files (not shortcuts)
  • Folder Portals allow you to mirror any folder to your desktop for quick access to your most important content
  • Peek allows you to instantly access your files, folders, and applications with Peek by pressing Winkey + Space to bring your fences on top of all your windows.
  • My favorite part of Fences is being able to mark a Fence to "Catch All" new icons that land on your desktop to a specific Fence that you can deal with later. No more having to see new icons until dealt with.
  • You take or set Fences to make a snapshot, and with my help or the help on the forums, you can save those snapshots and a single registry key to reload on a new install. Where Stardock Start11 has implemented a "full" backup system, Fences is yet to do so but it is easy to do yourself.
  • Rollup is cool, the icons retract to the Fence Title Bar until you mouse over the title bar.
  • Vanish you worked out yourself
  • You can add an icon to your taskbar so that the Fences appear above anything on your desktop (like peek above except with peek they only show whilst holding the shortcut keys, the taskbar icon will make them static until you click the icon again) so you have access to your icons without minimising windows or programs
  • Fences Taskbar Icons is also pretty cool, you can add a Fence you created to your taskbar so that it's a menu on your taskbar. I currently forget how to do this or if it is still available. You may need to be using Start11 to allow it.

I can't really do it as much justice as it deserves. But there is a free trial I believe. For me, Fences is more than handy.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    System-Backup-OS-Build_22631.4249
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (4th Gen?)
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    4 x LG 23MP75 - 2 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / MX Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    100/40Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build: 22631.4249
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.

Latest Support Threads

Back
Top Bottom