How to Stop Microsoft Edge from Creating Desktop Shortcuts
Microsoft Edge desktop shortcuts appear automatically sometimes, and you can stop this from happening.
Microsoft Edge is the default web browser built into Windows 11. It can sometimes create shortcuts on your desktop, often after updates, which you might not want.
These shortcuts might keep coming back even if you delete them. Fortunately, you can easily turn off this feature so your desktop stays tidy.
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 tool lets you make advanced system changes, so proceed with care.
Step 2Navigate to the Correct Folder
Go to this folder location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge\UpdateIf you don’t see the EdgeUpdate folder, right-click on the Microsoft folder. Then create a new subfolder called EdgeUpdate.
Step 3Create a New Value ⚠️ Requires Admin Access
The Windows Registry editor lets you create new registry entries. Right-click in the empty space on the right side of the window. Then, select New, and choose DWORD (32-bit) Value to create this new registry entry.
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 5 Restart Your Computer
After you restart your computer, 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. You can verify this 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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About the Author
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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