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How to Stop Microsoft Edge from Creating Desktop Shortcuts

Written by

Richard

Jan 29, 2023 Updated Apr 8, 2026 3 min read

You stop Microsoft Edge from creating desktop shortcuts by disabling a specific Windows setting related to its automatic updates.

Microsoft Edge is the default browser in Windows 11, and it can periodically create desktop shortcuts, especially after updates, to encourage its use.

This automatic shortcut creation, even if you delete it, is a behavior often triggered by Edge’s updates, as it reappears if no shortcut is detected.

Fortunately, you can permanently prevent this by modifying a registry key or a Group Policy setting on your Windows PC.

How to Stop Edge from Creating Desktop Shortcuts

Step 1Open the Registry Editor

First, open the Windows Registry on your computer.

Step 2Navigate to the Correct Folder

Go to this folder location:

🗝️Registry

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge\Update

If 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

On the right side of the window, right-click in the empty space. Select New and then choose DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Type this name for the new value:

💻Code

RemoveDesktopShortcutDefault

Step 4Set the Value

Double-click on RemoveDesktopShortcutDefault. In the box that opens, enter 1 as the value.

Setting it to 1 stops Edge from creating desktop shortcuts.

Setting it to 0 allows Edge to keep creating shortcuts automatically.

Windows Edge disable shortcut on desktop registry value data

Step 5 Restart Your Computer

Restart your computer to apply these changes. After you restart, Edge will no longer create desktop shortcuts automatically.

Summary

Microsoft Edge automatically creates desktop shortcuts every time it updates. This can be annoying if you don’t want shortcuts on your desktop. You can disable this behavior by opening the Registry Editor and adding a value called RemoveDesktopShortcutDefault and setting it to 1. After you restart your computer, Edge will stop creating these shortcuts. If you ever want Edge to create shortcuts again, you can change the value back to 0.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I stop Microsoft Edge from creating desktop shortcuts?

You can stop Microsoft Edge from creating desktop shortcuts by modifying the Windows Registry. Navigate to 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftEdgeUpdate and create a DWORD value named RemoveDesktopShortcutDefault with a value of 1.

What happens if I delete the Microsoft Edge desktop shortcut?

If you delete the Microsoft Edge desktop shortcut, it will be automatically recreated the next time Edge is updated. To prevent this from happening, you need to change the registry settings as described in the tutorial.

Is it safe to modify the Windows Registry to disable Edge shortcuts?

Yes, modifying the Windows Registry is safe as long as you follow the instructions carefully. However, it's always a good idea to back up the registry before making changes to avoid any potential issues.

Can I revert the changes if I want Edge to create shortcuts again?

Yes, you can easily revert the changes by going back to the registry and setting the value of RemoveDesktopShortcutDefault to 0. This will allow Microsoft Edge to create desktop shortcuts again.

Do I need to restart my computer after changing the registry settings?

Yes, you need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. This ensures that Microsoft Edge recognizes the updated settings and stops creating desktop shortcuts.

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Tags: #Microsoft Edge

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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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