Windows 11: Desktop icons keep moving around

Question

Windows 11 Education 23H2.

When a user plugs in or unplugs an external monitor [through the docking station we provide] the desktop icons rearrange themselves.

We can solve it for 1 day (he says, but most likely until he restarts his device) by setting the external monitor as the primary display and then changing it back to the laptop screen.

We have already unticked the auto arrange icons from desktop -> right-click -> view and we have also unticked keep icons to grid from the same menu.

I have seen a solution in registry but it involves CURRENT_USER and the users do not have access to Registry.

Any advice please?

***moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Desktop, Start, and personalization / Desktop***

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for posting in the Microsoft community forum.

According to your description, the desktop ICONS rearrange themselves when the external monitor is inserted or removed. May I know if your users choose to extend, copy or just display the second screen when adding monitors?

If it is a problem when expanding, the phenomenon may occur because the screen resolution changes when switching between different monitors. Go to "Settings" > "System" > "Display" and test the resolution and scaling Settings consistently.

In addition, outdated or incorrect graphics drivers can cause problems with display configuration. You can download and install the latest drivers through the manufacturer's website

I hope this helps.

Best regards

Jacen

Answer 2

Hi Jacen

Thanks for your response. This happens with Extended displays. We have not tried duplicating. I will try the resolution and scaling options and get back to you.

Thanks,

Jack