Windows 10: pdf files on desktop or in open Explorer windows cause Windows icons to flash

This is a repeat problem:


When there is a .pdf file on my desktop or in an open Windows Explorer window, any visible icons flash i.e. in the folder, taskbar, etc.. In addition, CPU and power usage byWindows Explorer is extremely high.


I previously diagnosed this to be caused by Microsoft Edge attempting to be thedefault viewer for .pdf files. Some combination of the following fixed this in the past:

* Change the default .pdf program back to my PDF reader in this case, Nuance, not Adobe

* Delete the corresponding registry key Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.pdf

* Delete/Rebuilt icon cache

* Rebuild thumbnails


This began again yesterday and none of the previous fixes worked.


Any new suggestions appreciated.

:)

 

Windows vista x64 computer icon always changing

what icons are you referring to?
In the Windows Explorer list or desktop?

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

Remove Linux Desktop Icons

I am not sure whether this will work (Ubuntu does not have icons like that on the desktop by default), but I suggest opening the trash bin and sweeping the icons into the window showing the trash bin.