Windows 10: Desktop scrambles Folder layout randomly

Hi there, thanks for having me

Upon random occasions when I restart my computer, windows 10 decides to change the physical layout of my folders on the desktop screen. (bunches them all together)

Wondering how to fix this?

:)

 

Icons move from original position after sleep on Windows 10

"...but recently the icons that I have laid out in a certain way on both screens have been moved


all to the primary screen...

Note: The screens are at different resolutions. I don't know if this could be the issue, but I'm noting this just in case. "

This issue is not new to Win10, and both scenarios are likely to scramble your icon layout.

- When you disable one screen any icons that were on that screen which are in a different position, or

are not on the main screen will need to be displayed on the screen that has not been disabled.

This can scramble the icons both when using the one screen or when re-enabling the second screen.

- Changing resolution also tends to scramble the icons. Particularly if the aspect ratio is different

eg - from 16:9 to 4:3 and vice versa.

- The best fix for messed up icon layouts is to use a software that saves your icon layout so you can easily

re-load that layout when they get scrambled.

I use Desktop Restore. This is a lightweight programs that adds three options to your desktop context menu

- Save, restore and custom save/restore -

[ It only specifies previous Windows versions, but works on Win10 as well. ]

MIDIOX Desktop Restore (icons)

.

 

desktop icons after Windows 10 Creators update

Windows 10 intelligently rearranges and scales desktop icons when you switch between different monitors and scaling settings, seeking to preserve your custom icon layout rather than scrambling them on the desktop. However, some settings are set to default
after upgrading or updating. We suggest that you check the Sort by
option when right-clicking the desktop.

 

It does happen but I've seen it settle down after a few times. It must be kept in mind that the Desktop is Dynamic, not Static. Static would be like a picture hanging on the wall, Dynamic is always changing or redrawing/refreshing, is help in memory and when rebooting has to redraw it. The Windows developers seem to have a penchant for having a totally clean Desktop.

 

Make sure Auto arrange icons option is not selected and place a check mark for Align icons to grid option.

 

That should do it. Sometimes I just make use of third party software to backup desktop layout.




There's a lot of softwares available to backup desktop icons layout. I can't really recommend any specific program.

 

I've been using DesktopOK for years now. Small, simple and works great. Setup your Desktop then save the layout. DesktopOK will restore it on boot if you want and you can restore it any time it gets messed up. You can also save and select from multiple layouts.

 

This used to be an issue on older builds of Windows 10 but appears to be solved now. I do sometimes get the folders being rearranged when a new AMD GPU driver is installed.