Windows 11 automatically repositions icons after a drag and drop onto the desktop

Question

This is a follow up for question https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5496603/windows-11-moving-files-shortcuts-on-the-desktop

I read it all the entries to this thread and there is no definitive answer.

Behaviour

Windows 11 reshuffles icons on desktop every time a new file is dragged and dropped on the desktop.

Solutions tried:

1. Verify and Reset Desktop Settings
   • Auto Arrange Icons unchecked is confirmed
   • Align Icons to Grid checked is confirmed
   • Sort by > None does not exist anymore
   • Tested by saving a new file on desktop, and continued icons shift confirmed
   Right-click again > choose Sort by > None to clear any hidden sorting. Restart your PC and test by saving a new file (e.g., screenshot) to see if icons shift.
2. Update Windows and Check for Patches
   
3. Apply Registry Edit to Lock Layout
   DWORD (32-bit) Value > name it NoAutoArrange, and set its value to 1 in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\1\Desktop

I have three computers: only the newest one acquired in November 2024 doesn't have this problem.

Answer 1

Hi,

I wanted to give an update on this issue. After I implemented the solution, I didn't see any changes in the way Windows reshuffled icons on my desktop. However, after some time, and possibly a few Windows updates in my system, it's now working as it should. Now, icons stay exactly where I put them and don't move after I continue working.

Thank you.

PatF

Answer 2

Hello Pat, I am Henry and I want to share my thought about your issue.

Since the basic fixes failed, the issue is likely a corrupted cache or a deeper registry problem. Here are two solutions I can recommend to you.

Solution 1: Rebuild the Icon Cache. This forces Windows to recreate the files that store icon positions.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Copy and paste all the following commands at once and press Enter:

• taskkill /F /IM explorer.exe
• cd /d %userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
• del iconcache* /a
• start explorer.exe
• exit

3. Restart your computer and test it.

Solution 2: Force a Full Reset of Desktop View Settings

1. Open Registry Editor (press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter).
2. Navigate to this exact path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell
3. Right-click and Delete both the Bags and BagsMRU folders found under Shell.
4. Restart your computer immediately.

After restarting, your desktop view will be fully reset. I hope this information and these keywords help point you in the right direction for your research. Let me know how it goes, and if this answer helps, feel free to hit “Accept Answer” so others can benefit too