Alternative: Download the "Desktop Shortcut Fix" .reg file from Microsoft’s official support site (search for "Microsoft shortcut fix").
If you saved an icon, but the standard system icons are missing: how to save icon on desktop fix
Let’s fix this step-by-step.
In the same View menu, uncheck Align icons to grid if you want completely free-form placement. Leave it checked only if you want neat rows but custom ordering. Alternative: Download the "Desktop Shortcut Fix"
For those who have tried everything and still need an "how to save icon on desktop fix" that sticks, here is a developer trick. Create a script that forces Windows to remember the layout. Leave it checked only if you want neat
If your icons keep moving after you save them in a specific spot, Windows might be overriding your layout. Disable Auto Arrange : Right-click an empty space on your desktop, hover over , and uncheck Auto arrange icons Align to Grid : In the same menu, uncheck Align icons to grid
A portable application that saves the exact X/Y coordinates of your icons. You can set it to autosave daily or restore your layout instantly with one click if a resolution change scrambles them.