By default, Windows 10 automatically arranges icons on the left side and aligns them to a fixed grid. A newly created or added desktop icon is automatically placed in the leftmost grid on the desktop. When automatic icon arrangement is enabled, you cannot manually move or freely arrange icons on the Windows 10 desktop.
This quick guide shows you how to disable automatic icon layout and icon grid alignment (optional), so you can freely arrange or move desktop icons in Windows 10.
Manually setting desktop icons in Windows 10
Disable the automatic desktop icon setting in Windows 10
The automatic icon layout option is enabled by default when you first start a newly installed Windows 10 PC. To disable this feature, follow the steps below.
- Right-click on an empty area of your Windows 10 desktop.
- Move the mouse pointer over the viewer.
- If the option automatic symbol format is checked, it means that it is currently activated. Press it to turn it off.
Now try moving the desktop icons to a random location. You will no longer be able to create automatic links. You can now organize and arrange your desktop icons the way you want on your Windows 10 desktop.
Switch off alignment of symbol grid (optional)
What does it mean to align the symbols on the grid? This means that each icon is aligned to a fixed grid – a fixed width and height for each icon, on the Windows 10 desktop.
By disabling icon grid alignment, icons on the desktop are no longer pushed into their own grid. So they can be placed anywhere on the Windows desktop.
Disabling icon alignment on the grid gives you more flexibility in organizing and arranging your icons on the Windows desktop. For example, you can place B. Place the symbols very close together or very far apart without limiting the fixed space for each symbol.
If you’re not sure you want to disable this feature, try it. You can reactivate it at any time if you want the symbols to be aligned on the grid again.
To disable the Align Icons to Grid option, right-click anywhere on your Windows desktop. Move the mouse pointer over the viewer. If there is a check mark next to the Align symbols to grid option, click it to disable the feature.
Now try to move the desktop icons. You should notice that they are no longer pushed to a fixed grid.
Do not sort by desktop icon location
The Sort by feature lets you sort all desktop icons by name, size, object type, or date of change. When you click on one of these icons, Windows rearranges all the icons on the desktop in the order of the option you selected on the far left of the grid.
If you have recently sorted your desktop icons manually, do not click on any sorting option, as you may disrupt your desktop icons again.
Reserve page icon positions after installation
If you have a large number of desktop icons that take a lot of effort to organize, it’s a good idea to keep a backup of your organized desktop icon layout in Windows 10, just in case something happens and they get disorganized again.
To find out, read : Saving and restoring the location of desktop icons in Windows 10.
Description to share: Can’t move or arrange desktop icons freely in Windows 10? Here are some settings you need to disable in order to manually place the icons.
frequently asked questions
How can I freely move desktop icons for Windows 10?
Right-click on an empty space on the desktop, click View, and uncheck the Align automatically and Icons boxes. Now try placing the icons where you want them, then restart to see if the normal layout is restored.
How can I move desktop icons freely?
2 answers. You may have an organization kit for the car. Try this: Right-click on your desktop and click View in the menu that appears. Then remove the checkmark from Autorange icons. You should now be able to move the symbols around freely.
How do I reorganize my desktop in Windows 10?
Left Win key + left Alt key + left arrow key moves the current desktop to the left. In other words, if you are on virtual desktop number two and you click on this shortcut, then virtual desktop number two becomes virtual desktop number one. Left Win key + Left Alt key + Right Arrow key moves the current virtual desktop to the right.
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