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3 Ways to Save Your Desktop Icon Position Layout on Windows 11

Snap Layout is the simplest way to do it

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Windows 11 brings a lot to the table in terms of user experience, but the iteration is not entirely error-proof. Users come across problems from time to time, and changes to icon positioning are common. So, how does one save the desktop layout in Windows 11?

There are both built-in and third-party solutions for the task, be it to save the screen resolution of the current window or the arrangement of desktop icons. This becomes all the more important for users with a bunch of icons on their desktops.

Why doesn’t Windows 11 save icon layout positions?

Why doesn’t Windows 11 save icon layout positions?

How do I save my desktop layout in Windows 11?

How do I save my desktop layout in Windows 11?

Before we move to the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones first:

If none work, head to the fixes listed next.

1. Use Snap Layout

Snap Layout in Windows 11is a useful feature that allows users to lock several applications to the desktop without any overlapping one another.

2. Run a VBScript

An option to save the desktop layout in Windows 11 is to create a VBScript. This is more of an advanced task, primarily for users who understand the intricacies.

You may find a few scripts that work well on the web. We don’t recommend using them as is. It’s imperative that you verify the entire code before executing it.

An advantage of using a script and configuring it to load at startup is that it will allow you to open a predefined set of apps in the desired custom layout. This works great for multi-monitor setups. Also, it allows configuring how often the new layout is stored and the older files are cleared.

3. Use a third-party app to save layout choices

If the manual methods seem like a hassle, you can always rely on a third-party solution to save and restore the desktop layout in Windows 11. AndDesktopOKappears to be the best available option based on user reviews. The best part, it’s free to use!

Besides, DesktopOK can be used for a range of other customizations and to personalize the OS. If you find that thedesktop icons are blank, fix that first and then save the layout.

Some users prefer tocreate an iconfor a personalized Windows experience. While there’s no absolute need for it, you should know the process. But remember, this won’t work when thedesktop icons are not showing.

For any queries or to share the VBScript that worked for you, drop a comment below and help fellow members of the Windows community.

More about the topics:Windows 10 desktop icons,Windows 11

Kazim Ali Alvi

Windows Hardware Expert

Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.

Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.

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Kazim Ali Alvi

Windows Hardware Expert

Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.

Reviewed byAlex Serban