Windows 10: Stop forced desktop shortcuts

It's a minor problem, but it gets really irritating after the sixth or seventh time it happens ...


I like a clean,, uncluttered desktop and taskbar. I do not keep shortcuts on my desktop. Desktop shortcuts make things very hard to find on most systems, it gets so cluttered. I also do not use MS Edge. It's a personal preference.

Unfortunately, MS seems to think I should be forced to have its icons where I don't want them. With nearly every update, the MS Edge icon reappears both on my desktop and my taskbar. I remove it every time, but I really shouldn't have to. It should be MY choice what's on my desktop and taskbar. I get promoting a product, but there's a difference between promotion and forcing it on people. MS might own the software, but it's MY computer. If I didn't need Windows for one specific application, I'd go back to Linux for the freedom of choice it offers.

Anyway, how do I stop MS from forcing desktop and taskbar shortcuts for products I don't want and have never used?

:)

 

Desktop Shortcut Icons

Hi Mik-Dav,

The desktop shortcut created for a specific website should bear the website's actual logo. With what you've experienced, there could be something wrong with how the shortcut was created.

If you've created the shortcut by selecting Create shortcut, then we suggest that you try the other way, that is by dragging the website icon that appears in the address bar to your desktop. Follow these steps:

• Using Internet Explorer, access a website.
• Once the website opens, you will see its icon in the address bar.
• Click and drag the icon on your desktop.

The website shortcut bearing its actual logo should now be saved on your desktop.

Let us know if you need further help.

Regards.

 

Desktop Shortcut Icons

I tried using Edge that comes with the computer and I can see the logo you are talking about. When I try to drag it to the desktop you can see that I have it but as soon as I drop it the window opens rather than putting the shortcut icon on the desktop.

 

How to pin app shortcut to desk top?

Hi,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

I suggest you to follow below steps to change pin the apps on the desktop screen and check if it helps.

Step 1: I suggest you to perform the below steps to add the apps on desktop.

• Click on the “Start button” and locate the App that you want to pin to Desktop.
• Right click on the “App” and click on “More options”.
• Then click on “Open File location” and right click on the app, click on “Send to” option.
• Then select “Desktop (Create shortcut)”.
• Go to “Desktop” and check whether the app is located or not.

Or Step 2: To add shortcuts to the desktop

• Press and hold or right-click the desktop, tap or click New, and then tap or click Shortcut.
• Enter the location of the item or tap or click Browse to find the item in File Explorer.

Hope this information is helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance. We will be glad to assist.