Windows 10: Folder View Settings and Desktop Icon Positions Not Saving

The way Windows 10 seems to randomly position the File Explorer window on the desktop annoyed the hell out of me so I looked around for a fix but could not find anything in the way of registry tweaks to fix it.

I did find a terrific little app (it uses less than 15 MB of RAM!) called WindowManager though from DeskSoft.com: DeskSoft - WindowManager - Window position and size manager which had been updated to support Windows 10. I was a bit apprehensive about whether it would actually work but I can confirm that, yes, it does! It works extremely well, in fact, and since installing it my File Explorer window has always appeared nicely centred in the middle of my desktop. No more wandering windows.

The software is small but very flexible allowing to force not only size and position but also whether you want the window maximised/minimised etc. There are also other options too, including the option to remember folder view settings, plus the ability to create templates, although so far I've found that I do not need to use them. The software has been 100% stable in the last week or so I have been using and has not interfered in any way with other apps/programs I am using. You get a 30 day trial but the software is only £7 (+ £4 for a lifetime time upgrade option, which I paid for). It is well-worth the tiny outlay IMO. And, no, I do not work or have connection with DeskSoft.

Why on earth Microsoft cannot code an operating system that remembers window positions and sizes, I do not know, but I guess the third-parties can make some money out of it. This is an issue that has plagued every version of Windows I've ever used. Even Windows XP evenually would "forget" folder settings and placement after a certain number of times opening windows.

P.S. Desktop icon placement can be worked around by using a program from Stardock called Fences. This allows you to create small windows that fix to the desktop and contain your icons. The software takes daily snapshots of these so if a program messes up the folder arrangement (using NVIDIA's DSR and higher than native resolutions can do this unfortunately for icons that are loose on the desktop rather than in Fences windows) then it is very easy to restore them.

Thanks for all information about WORKAROUND but if the ISSUE is reproducible is better found a real solution @Microsoft @eset

Hello everyone!!

I've the same problem and started yesterday. No problem with desktop or icons, but with the folder view.
No way to have my folder view saved: if I exit from the folder, when I return the visualization is newly on details view.

Windows 10 was installed 3 weeks ago and till yesterday no problem with folder viewing settings.
I have me too Eset Smart security (version 8.0.319.0) on Windows 10 Home (version 10.0.10240).
Never received any alarm for virus.

For sure, this situation is a nightmare for me. I work switching back and forth from one folders to another and I need to have the pictures in extra large icons and sorted by modified data.
But, every time I change the folder (so every few seconds) I need to reset all and this is impossible.

I did SFC /SCANNOW Command without any result.
I did a complete virus scan: nothing.

And till yesterday at startup, for 3 weeks, no problem at all.
I cannot check the Windows update on my Win 10 version: I hate this solution for the automatic update!!

If someone find a solution, please post here :)

i did found a work around today... instead of restarting or shutting down the laptop i leave it to sleep on it's own and when i press power button to wake it up everything stays the same desktop icons no longer rearranging position and change size but did not confirm folder views yet...

Hi, forgive me for asking an elementary question:
If you rt click the desktop, is 'Auto-arrange icons' ticked or not?
Just that I've not noted it in the discussion. I'm guessing 99% that's not the problem.

That said, there are plenty of reports about it - even (horrors!) by Windows 7 (yes , 7!) users...
e.g.
Desktop icons rearrange themselves every other reboot - Windows 7 Help Forums
- so it's a relatively old issue..

Any solutions yet?

Desktop icons keep rearranging - Windows 10 Forums
Solved Win10 desktop icons rearranging on boot - Windows 10 Forums
- see 4th & 5th post

Seems people have looked very hard for a solution..

This points to a specific registry entry and a solution. How applicable it is to Win 10 I leave to you..
Desktop icons rearrange themselves - Forums - CNET
It looks worth exploring.

And this registry hack supposedly prevents any movement- voluntary or otherwise, so could be undesirable if you drag 'n drop..
How to lock desktop icons to keep them from rearranging themselves on Windows