Windows 10: After modifying the name of a desktop icon, it always moves to the next available space on...

Hello,This is a newer PC and I'm having the annoying issue where if I modify a file on my desktop, say change the name, it always moves to the next available spot in the icon list. I can place things on my desktop just fine, no issues. It's only after modifying them.

:)

 

how to manually move desktop icons

Hi Dale,

You can follow the steps provided below to rearrange Desktop icons in Windows 10:

• On your desktop, Right-click go to View on context menu.
• Uncheck Auto arrange icon.
• Then, Left-click and hold the icon you want to move.

Moreover by using Sort by in context menu, you can arrange the icons by
Name, Size, Item type, and
Date Modified.

Let us know if you need further assistance.

 

Freely moving desktop icons in windows 10

Hi,

I suggest you to try the steps below and check if it helps.

• Right click on the blank space on desktop.
• Click on View.
• Uncheck Align icons to grid.

Hope this helps. Please get back to us if you need any other assistance.

Thank you.

 

Windows 10 Desktop Icon Spacing Messed Up

Hello,

A factor why you're having desktop spacing issue is due to configuration settings. We suggest that you set the spacing of desktop icon by using Registry Editor. Follow the steps below:

• Type Windows key + R > Type regedit > Hit
  Enter.
• Navigate to the following location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics
• On the right panel, click Window Metrics >
  Double-click IconSpacing (horizontal spacing) or IconVerticalSpacing (vertical spacing) and modify the value > Click
  OK.
  
• Reboot the computer to save the changes.

Note: IconSpacing and IconVerticalSpacing value between -480 (minimum spacing) to -2730 (maximum spacing).

Important:  This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection,
back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, refer to the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article. 

See this article:
How to back up and restore the registry in Windows 

Do get back and let us know the status of the issue, we will be glad to help you further.