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why do windows 11 updates remove shortcuts from the desktop?!

Surfing69 35 Reputation points
2026-03-02T13:24:26.2333333+00:00

I have a windows 11 laptop.

I have placed a number of shortcuts on the desktop.

However I have noticed that after windows updates, these shortcuts disappear. When I return them to the desktop, they are removed AGAIN with the next system update.

This is extremely frustrating !!

can anyone please advise why microsoft think its a good idea to mess around with the personalisation of someone desktop ?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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  1. Surfing69 35 Reputation points
    2026-03-09T19:57:45.4966667+00:00

    i unchecked Allow themes to change desktop icons but will have to wait until the next update is installed to see if this fix worked. I will let you know either way.

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  2. Noel Macadangdang 16,835 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-02T14:09:07.0766667+00:00

    Hi,

    Thank you for sharing your question. I hear your frustration, and you’re not alone what looks like Windows “removing” shortcuts is almost always a side effect of view settings flipping, the Desktop folder being redirected to OneDrive, or Windows showing you a different Desktop path after an update rather than deleting your items.

    The most common reasons are straightforward. Sometimes the “Show desktop icons” view toggle gets turned off during updates, which makes everything appear to vanish until that setting is switched back on.

    Here’s a concise way to get back to a stable, predictable desktop. First, re‑show the icons by right‑clicking the desktop, opening View, and ensuring Show desktop icons is checked, and if built‑in icons like This PC or Recycle Bin are missing, restore them via Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings as Microsoft documents.  Next, confirm which Desktop folder Windows is actually using: in File Explorer, check OneDrive for a Desktop folder and open its Properties; if it is the active Desktop it will have a Location tab, and you can Move it to the folder that actually holds your shortcuts, accepting the prompt to move files so future updates won’t “switch” you to a different view.

    Would you mind sharing whether your Desktop shows under OneDrive in File Explorer, and whether this happens after signing out or switching accounts, so I can tailor the exact fix to your setup. I’m happy to stick with you until your desktop layout survives the next update, and if you’d like, I can also write a quick step‑by‑step you can keep for future refreshes.

     

    I hope this helps.

     

    Best Regards,

    Noel

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  3. AI answer

    2026-03-02T13:24:43.0666667+00:00

    Windows updates do not intentionally remove personal desktop shortcuts, but a few common configuration issues can make it look that way:

    1. Desktop icons are hidden after update
      Sometimes an update resets the “Show desktop icons” view setting.
    • Right‑click an empty area on the desktop.
    • Select View.
    • Make sure Show desktop icons is checked. If this was off, all shortcuts were still there but hidden.
    1. System desktop icons (This PC, Recycle Bin, etc.) reset
      Updates or theme changes can affect system icons.
    • Right‑click the desktop and select Personalize.
    • Go to Themes.
    • Select Desktop icon settings.
    • Re‑check the icons wanted (e.g., Computer, Recycle Bin, Network) and select Apply.
    • Optionally clear Allow themes to change desktop icons so themes/updates are less likely to change them again.
    1. OneDrive Desktop folder redirection
      If OneDrive is backing up the Desktop, an update or OneDrive change can point Windows to a different Desktop folder (for example, a work vs. personal account, or a corrupted backup location). That makes it appear as if shortcuts are “removed” when in fact Windows is showing a different Desktop path.

    To confirm and fix the Desktop location when using OneDrive:

    1. Open File Explorer and expand OneDrive.
    2. Right‑click the Desktop folder under OneDrive and select Properties.
    3. Select the Location tab.
      • If there is no Location tab, that folder is not the active Desktop; look for another Desktop folder (for example under a different OneDrive or user profile) that does have a Location tab.
    4. Select Move.
    5. Browse to the folder that actually contains the shortcuts (the Desktop layout that is expected), select Select Folder, then Apply.
    6. When prompted to move files from the old location to the new one, choose Yes so everything stays together.

    If shortcuts keep disappearing, check after the next update whether:

    • Show desktop icons is still enabled, and
    • The Desktop folder location (especially with OneDrive) has not changed again.

    These behaviors are side effects of view settings, system icon settings, or folder redirection rather than an intentional removal of personalization.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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