Forum Discussion
"Why Doesn't Windows 11 Save Desktop Icon Positions and How to Enable Icon Position Saving?"
"Why doesn't Windows 11 remember the placement of icons? Learn how to enable icon position saving functionality!"
5 Replies
- donfryCopper Contributor
I have 100+/- icons arranged by category on my desktop. When windows decides to rearrange them into a packed grid bc of temporary monitor resolution change, or what ever, it requires a bunch of my time to manually put the icons back to where i best remember them being. This is really frustrating @Microsoft. PLEASE add a save button function to the desktop->personalization->Desktop icon settings!!!! And a restore from a saved layout. Don't understand why it's not there now!? I know there are 3rd party companies that sell apps that can do this . . . but why is that necessary? And they are not reliable eg. Winability - Icon Sheperd has occasionally disappeared along with saved layouts.
- BeausesCopper ContributorIf you switch between different monitors or change the display resolution, Windows may rearrange your desktop icons.
- MadiisonIron ContributorSometimes, Windows automatically arranges icons based on screen resolution or if you have "Align icons to grid" enabled. If you change your resolution or connect/disconnect an external monitor, it can mess with your icon positions.
- BraylonsIron ContributorEnabling icon position saving may not work if you're using a specific desktop layout or theme. If you're using a third-party tool, ensure it's compatible with Windows 11 and doesn't cause any system instability issues.
- TomasstesIron Contributor
Disable Auto-arrange:
Right-click on an empty space on your desktop.
Uncheck "Auto arrange icons". This allows you to manually place icons without Windows moving them automatically.
Adjust Icon Size:
Right-click on the desktop, select View, and try changing the icon size. Sometimes switching between small, medium, and large can reset the position issue.
Change Display Settings:
Right-click on the desktop and select Display settings.
Ensure your display resolution is set correctly.
If using multiple monitors, ensure they are set up correctly without any misalignments