How can I lock desktop icons?

Anonymous
2009-12-08T03:27:27+00:00

I am unable to LOCK the icon items on my desktop. I have clicked right on the desktop and via properties checked lock items, yet they are easily moved and NOT locked. I've tried locking them thru 'Appearances and Themes', yet they will NOT lock. How can I get them to stop moving around and stay put by locking. Any help would be graciously appreciated. And, no I am not changing my resolution which I know moves them.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

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Anonymous
2009-12-08T12:17:08+00:00

Hi there,have you tried this?Right click an empty space on your desktop,highlight desktop icons,place a check  on 'lock icons in place' and uncheck'auto arrange,?

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-11-26T02:59:24+00:00

    This was driving me mad but I think I figured it out:

    Right-click your desktop, click on 'Personalise'

    > Themes

    > Desktop Icons Settings

    > de-select 'Allow themes to change desktop icons'

    > shift your icons around and restart your computer, they should be in the same place you left them.

    I know very little about Windows but I played around with it and this worked for me, I restarted four times and the icons stayed put. I'm on Windows 10 and my desktop settings are:

    'Auto-arrange icons' - off

    'Align icons to grid' - on

    Let me know if it works for you, then I can call this post my good deed for the day  ;)

    Mike Dickie,

    Thanks for the lead but, No Joy!

    Tried:

    1. Right-clicked on my desktop, clicked on 'Personalize'
    2. 'Themes'
    3. 'Desktop Icons Settings'
    4. Deselect: 'Allow themes to change desktop icons'
    • Tried your suggestion several different times but I still CANNOT lock my desktop Icons.
    • Each time I moved my desktop Icons out-of-preferred position and made a 'Restart' on my PC. Never could lock my Icons!
    • I'm using: Windows 10 Pro, Version 1709, OS Build 16299.64, 64 bit, Intel i3-3220.
    • Thanks for researching but I'm still searching!

    stretch914

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-11-25T20:56:09+00:00

    The best reply was to use a small program called Desktop Restore.  It does exactly what I was hoping for.  I can change the icons to positions that I want and if they are ever moved for any reason, I can restore them to my locations with this quick utility.  I love it.  Here is the link: http://download.cnet.com/Desktop-Restore-64-bit/3000-2072\_4-75451992.html

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-11-25T19:57:04+00:00

    This was driving me mad but I think I figured it out:

    Right-click your desktop, click on 'Personalise'

    > Themes

    > Desktop Icons Settings

    > de-select 'Allow themes to change desktop icons'

    > shift your icons around and restart your computer, they should be in the same place you left them.

    I know very little about Windows but I played around with it and this worked for me, I restarted four times and the icons stayed put. I'm on Windows 10 and my desktop settings are:

    'Auto-arrange icons' - off

    'Align icons to grid' - on

    Let me know if it works for you, then I can call this post my good deed for the day  ;)

    I used a  different route, like R- click desktop-personalize-change desktop icons-uncheck allow themes to change desktop icons. works for me on win 7. thanks

    it's seems to work.  Thank you! 😊

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-11-25T16:53:25+00:00

    Thanks for the help.

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