How to Stop Microsoft Edge from Creating Desktop Shortcuts
Microsoft Edge desktop shortcuts are unwanted program icons that the built-in Windows 11 web browser puts on your screen during updates. Stopping these annoying icons from coming back keeps your desktop clean.
You can turn off this feature in the browser settings so Edge stops making new desktop icons every time it updates.
You stop Microsoft Edge from creating desktop shortcuts by modifying the Windows Registry. Open Registry Editor, navigate to the Update folder, create a new DWORD value named RemoveDesktopShortcutDefault, and set its data to 1.
How to Stop Edge from Creating Desktop Shortcuts
Step 1Open the Registry Editor
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor. This database stores low-level operating system settings (Registry Editor), so tread carefully.
Step 2Navigate to the Correct Folder
Go to this folder location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge\UpdateLook for a subfolder named EdgeUpdate inside the Microsoft directory. Missing it means right-clicking the Microsoft folder instead and creating a new key called EdgeUpdate.
Step 3Create a New Value ⚠️ Requires Admin Access
The Windows Registry editor lets you create new registry entries. Right-click any blank space in the right-hand pane, hover over New, and select DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Now, type this name for the new value:
RemoveDesktopShortcutDefaultStep 4Set the Value
Setting the value to 1 stops Edge from creating desktop shortcuts.
Conversely, setting it to 0 allows Edge to continue creating them automatically.
Step 5Restart Your Computer
After a computer restart, Microsoft Edge should stop creating desktop shortcuts automatically. Note that this change only takes effect if you've also disabled the "Allow Windows to show notifications from Microsoft Edge" setting in Edge's privacy settings. Verifying the fix happens by checking your desktop for new Edge shortcuts.
Summary
A related issue: what if your Windows Desktop icons have a brown box over them? Brown boxes on Desktop icons
How do I remove the brown box on the Microsoft Edge icon?
Brown box on Desktop icons A brown box over your Windows Desktop icons can be caused by an issue with Windows Explorer. To resolve the issue, restart Windows Explorer: Press Windows key + E. Press CTRL + ALT + DEL and select Task Manager.
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Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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