Desktop icons rearrange after installing new program on win 10

The frustration of rearranged desktop icons!

This issue is quite common on Windows 10, and it's often caused by a new program or software installation. Here are some possible reasons and solutions to help you keep your desktop icons organized:

  1. Program installation creates a new desktop folder: When you install a new program, it might create a new desktop folder to store its files and settings. This can cause the desktop icons to rearrange.
  2. Windows 10's default behavior: Windows 10 has a feature called "Desktop Icon Cache" that helps improve performance by storing icon locations in a cache file. However, this cache can sometimes get outdated, leading to icon rearrangement.
  3. Conflicting software: Some programs might interfere with your desktop icons, causing them to move around.

To resolve the issue, try the following:

Method 1: Restart your computer

Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve the issue. Shut down your computer, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.

Method 2: Disable and re-enable the Desktop Icon Cache

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer and press Enter.
  3. Look for the file named iconcache.db and right-click on it. Select "Delete" to remove the cache file.
  4. Restart your computer.

Method 3: Reset desktop icon positions

  1. Right-click on an empty area of the desktop and select "View" > "Show desktop icons".
  2. Click on the "Arrange icons by" dropdown menu and select "Auto arrange icons".
  3. Click on the "Align icons to grid" checkbox to enable it.
  4. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

Method 4: Check for software conflicts

  1. Identify the new program you installed recently and uninstall it.
  2. Restart your computer and check if the desktop icons are still rearranged.
  3. If the issue persists, try reinstalling the program or seeking assistance from the software developer.

Method 5: Use a third-party desktop icon manager

If none of the above methods work, you can try using a third-party desktop icon manager like "Desktop Icon Manager" or "IconPackager". These tools can help you manage and organize your desktop icons.

Remember to always keep your Windows 10 operating system and software up to date to minimize the likelihood of such issues occurring in the future.