Solved Strange Folder on Desktop

EddyandBob · Jun 30, 2022

Hello!
I have just started using Windows 11 (by purchasing a new laptop). Somehow in "personalizing" the desktop a number of folders appeared on the desktop that were not shortcuts: Control Panel, Network, This PC, and one that has my name, perhaps something else too. I don't recall how I accomplished this! Though they weren't shortcuts they were "copies" (!?) and so I was able to successfully delete all but the one that had my name on it. The one with my name on it contains all the folders that contain all of my data. It is actually C:\Users\libra. I have learned (I think) that deleting this folder as administrator will delete all my data as well! This folder has no "properties" and it can't be moved but it can be copied. How can I removed this unnecessary (for me) folder from my desktop? Thanks for the forum.
Edward

hsehestedt · Jun 30, 2022

Welcome to ElevenForum!

I'm on Windows 11 22H2 so forgive me if the location for this is slightly different on your PC, but hopefully this gets you where you need to go...

Open Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop Icon Settings.

From here you can deselect "User's Files". Select or deselect any of the other options as you see fit.

Ghot · Jun 30, 2022

EddyandBob said:
Hello!
I have just started using Windows 11 (by purchasing a new laptop). Somehow in "personalizing" the desktop a number of folders appeared on the desktop that were not shortcuts: Control Panel, Network, This PC, and one that has my name, perhaps something else too. I don't recall how I accomplished this! Though they weren't shortcuts they were "copies" (!?) and so I was able to successfully delete all but the one that had my name on it. The one with my name on it contains all the folders that contain all of my data. It is actually C:\Users\libra. I have learned (I think) that deleting this folder as administrator will delete all my data as well! This folder has no "properties" and it can't be moved but it can be copied. How can I removed this unnecessary (for me) folder from my desktop? Thanks for the forum.
Edward

Here's where it is on Windows 10. It will be located somewhere close to this on Windows 11...

EddyandBob · Jun 30, 2022

hsehestedt said:
Welcome to ElevenForum!

I'm on Windows 11 22H2 so forgive me if the location for this is slightly different on your PC, but hopefully this gets you where you need to go...

Open Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop Icon Settings.

From here you can deselect "User's Files". Select or deselect any of the other options as you see fit.

Well well...Many thanks to you my friend! Now I remember how I did it in the first place. Take care.

EddyandBob · Jun 30, 2022

Ghot said:
Here's where it is on Windows 10. It will be located somewhere close to this on Windows 11...

View attachment 32709

Thank you for replying. That is it. Now I understand what I did! Best.

Ghot · Jun 30, 2022

EddyandBob said:
Thank you for replying. That is it. Now I understand what I did! Best.

I think everyone of us, has had that happen.
Ofc, then finding that setting again, is next to impossible, because MS has hidden it behind several fake walls and one or two boss monsters. You have to be high level and have indestructible weapons and armor to ever find the desktop icons setting a second time.

hsehestedt · Jun 30, 2022

Ghot said:
I think everyone of us, has had that happen.
Ofc, then finding that setting again, is next to impossible, because MS has hidden it behind several fake walls and one or two boss monsters. You have to be high level and have indestructible weapons and armor to ever find the desktop icons setting a second time.

That is such a perfect description!

After having this happen more than once, I finally remembered exactly what the cause was when I read the OP, but it took me a little while to figure out where that &*$% setting was.

Ghot · Jun 30, 2022

hsehestedt said:
That is such a perfect description!

After having this happen more than once, I finally remembered exactly what the cause was when I read the OP, but it took me a little while to figure out where that &*$% setting was.

Same. I was on the trail of the elusive setting, and the scroll said 5 steps north and 3 steps east.
Silly me, I got them reversed, and ended up in an angry dragon's den.
Fortunately for me, it was a laser beam dragon, and I had my Reflecting Shield of the Colossus with me.

So after defeating the dragon and fighting off six Umber Hulk Guardians,
I found the legendary Settings of Desktop Icons Scroll.

EddyandBob · Jul 1, 2022

Ghot said:
I think everyone of us, has had that happen.
Ofc, then finding that setting again, is next to impossible, because MS has hidden it behind several fake walls and one or two boss monsters. You have to be high level and have indestructible weapons and armor to ever find the desktop icons setting a second time.

I won't feel so bad then. Since I am decidedly without the needed weapons, it's a good thing I found this forum. It's nice to have one's problem so quickly dealt with. Carry on!