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Why are my desktop icons rearranging themselves?

Ever since the most recent major Windows 10 update (I guess a couple months ago?), every time I log in to my PC, a select few of my desktop icons get moved to a certain place. I have a dual monitor setup, one is plugged into my GPU, the other is plugged to the motherboard. If I move them back to where they were and right click to do sort by name, they sort properly and stay in the same spot I put them. But if I choose "refresh," they move back to the spot they were upon login. If I shut down and reboot, they move to that same weird spot.

View is set to Small Icons, Auto Arrange is OFF, Align to Grid is ON, Show Icons is also checked. I have them sorted by Name.

I figured the problem would have sorted itself out after the first patch update. But I think I've had to update my PC at least twice since the major update and still have the same issue. It isn't like a huge deal or anything, just annoying. It only happens to the exact same 4 icons. One is a text file, another is a PDF, and the other 2 are folders. I just don't get it.

Hey there Walrus!

My name is Miguel Ángel and I'm an independent advisor, also a Microsoft user just like you! I'll be trying to help you today with this issue!

That must be stressing, icons rearranging every time you reboot or refresh. Let's follow these solutions given by Arjay Dom:

1. Right-click on the desktop screen and select Display settings.
2. Click Display and try changing the resolution.
3. Restart and see if the issue still continues.

If it did not work, try preventing the themes to change desktop icons:

1. On Search, type themes and related settings.
2. Choose Themes and related settings from the list.
3. Under Related settings, click on Desktop icon settings.
4. Uncheck Allow themes to change desktop icons.
5. Click on Apply and then click on OK.

It'd be also good to do this, as Linley Meslier proposed:

1. Go to C:\Users\mesli\AppData\Local (if AppData is not visible, click View and check 'Hidden Items').
2. Delete the IconCache file.
3. Re-arrange your desktop.
4. Restart your computer to verify the problem is gone.

Tell me how it goes!

Hugs,

Miguel Ángel :)

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The "advisor" did not understand your real problem. No surprise. I don't know if I can help you, but we can try together to analyze the problem. Your question is two days old. If you still follow it please reply.

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Last updated March 11, 2025 Views 19,914 Applies to: