Some users report a strange bug in Windows 10. The layout of desktop icons and their position does not stay constant in between the user sessions. The layout gets reset every time they log in to the user account. This happens regardless of the account type being used and affects local as well as Microsoft accounts.
- Obtain full access to the following Registry keys:
If you are running 32-bit Windows 10:HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{42aedc87-2188-41fd-b9a3-0c966feabec1}\InProcServer32If you are running 64-bit Windows 10:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{42aedc87-2188-41fd-b9a3-0c966feabec1}\InProcServer32Refer to the following articles to learn it if you don't know:
- Now, open the mentioned Registry keys (see How to jump to the desired Registry key with one click) and set the "(Default)" (unnamed) parameter to the following value:
%SystemRoot%\system32\windows.storage.dll
See the following screenshot:
- Restart Windows 10.
After doing this, your desktop icons layout should not get reset automatically any more. This issue might be caused by antivirus software or a security suite. In comments, tell us which antivirus software you have installed if you face this issue.
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I‘ve already heard about this, as far as I know, ESET antivirus was causing this. The developers knew about the problem, though I‘m not sure whether it was fixed in latest version.
I had this problem since Win7. I installed Desktop Restore v1.6.3.031 to resolve it.
Windows 7
I have had this problem only since the November Update/Upgarde of Win 10 64 bit in November 2015.
I have checked the Registry key you mention in the article and it is already set to the stated valuee.
I run AVG Internet Security.
I have not had this problem before and have run AVG for years and years.
The desktop icon layout is remembered at boot up but not on switching user (which happens 10 or more times every day on this PC).
What more can I do – PLEASE?
Well, Neil, I don’t know.
Maybe it is some bug? Try to install latest updates from Microsoft.
I’ve got the icon repositioning problem too. Only using MS Security Essentials ever since putting Win 10 on the system using the earlier “clean install” method. I’ll give this a try, but think I’ll probably have a go with a 3rd party program. You know, because MS isn’t reliable.
I noticed this problem after the big November update (don’t know if it existed before). I run the free version of Avast for virus protection, as well as Spybot S&D. I wonder if this has something to do with the major video driver updates from AMD recently…