How Do I Get Downloaded Files as Last on Desktop?


  1. Posts : 654
    10
       #1

    How Do I Get Downloaded Files as Last on Desktop?


    When I download a file to my desktop it ends up in the upper left hand corner of the desktop all the time, like it was the first file. How do I get it as the last file of all the files listed on the desktop?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,833
    Dual boot Windows 10 FCU Pro x 64 & current Insider 10 Pro
       #2

    @yahanna

    I don't use the Desktop for such, so this is a stab in the dark.

    The default of hierarchy ranking of File Explorer (I think) is folders first > then files > then shortcuts (there are other categories as well in folders). The default columns for my Desktop folder in Detail view is Name > Size > Item type > Date modified.

    The only thing I can think of is grab the date column and drag it to the far left, then place it in ascending order (arrowhead up). Any downloaded file would be dated with the date it's downloaded so I think it would end up at the end. You may have to move and/or configure other columns as well. Not all together sure how it would display on the actual desktop.

    You may also have to perform this in the Desktop folder within your User folder?

    Hope that helps or at least gets you pointed in the right direction.


    Edit:

    See my post below.
    Last edited by Tony K; 08 Sep 2017 at 06:52.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 1,680
    X
       #3

    New items on the desktop are placed in the "next available" location.
    Available locations start at the top left and continue down to the bottom.
    When that first column is full, the next file goes to the top of the second column.

    That's the way the desktop works. A new file goes to the next available location.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 7,254
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
       #4

    The Downloads folder is the proper place to download downloads! You could drag the folder to the desttop so you have an easy to reach link for it.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 5,833
    Dual boot Windows 10 FCU Pro x 64 & current Insider 10 Pro
       #5

    @yahanna

    Forget the File Explorer sort, for I don't think it has anything to do with displaying or sorting items on the Desktop. With a good night's sleep and thinking about this I think I came up with a better solution. This is also in light of what margrave55 posted. My apologies, for like a said, I don't use the Desktop anymore this way since the advent of the Start Screen in 8/8.1. I have mine set to show no icons.

    Right click the Desktop to get its context menu > In the View category I would think you would have to choose "Align icons to grid" in order for the system to display the last item made. Not totally sure on that one. You'd have to experiment.

    Attachment 152410

    Then in the Sort category choose "Date modified" in order for the system to sort it the way you want it. Be aware that if another item changes date then that would be displayed last.


    Attachment 152411
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 654
    10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    HippsieGypsie said:
    @yahanna


    Then in the Sort category choose "Date modified" in order for the system to sort it the way you want it.

    Attachment 152411


    Thats it! Thats the answer.. thankss!
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 5,833
    Dual boot Windows 10 FCU Pro x 64 & current Insider 10 Pro
       #7

    You're welcome. Glad it worked out for you. :)
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 654
    10
    Thread Starter
       #8

    For some unkown reason "Date modified" doesnt stick. It works initially when you click on it. But on other days I notice its not checked on anymore. Is there a fix to this so that it stays on this setting forever?
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 5,478
    2004
       #9

    It isn't going to stick . It will sort what you have by date and then anything new will appear at the end (starting from the top left and working down then across) taking the last free space.

    You would have to repeatedly sort by date if that is what you want.

    What you could do is try running a script like this at every logon (Windows 10 works the same) Sort desktop icons by name - Windows XP

    It might be easier just to use the sort in File Explorer though - especially if you stored your download in "Downloads" folder.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 5,833
    Dual boot Windows 10 FCU Pro x 64 & current Insider 10 Pro
       #10

    yahanna said:
    For some unkown reason "Date modified" doesnt stick. It works initially when you click on it. But on other days I notice its not checked on anymore. Is there a fix to this so that it stays on this setting forever?
    Hmm. I thought the problem would be as I stated "Be aware that if another item changes date then that would be displayed last". I'm wondering why it doesn't hold that setting you made. By logic it should.

    On the other hand, lx07's solution with the script looks to be a better choice, for when an item with a new date is created (which sooner or later it will) will change the sort. I think there is a way to run that script in PowerShell via saving it from within it as a ps1 file. I have a few. A simple click on it will run it quickly. However, you would have to make sure that the script is correct/fitting to your system. I'm not qualified to do that. If you ask the coding guru, Kari, he may look it over for you.

    He's not partial to PMs, so you may want to summons him here with a @ before his name Kari. That will get his attention.
    Last edited by Tony K; 13 Sep 2017 at 22:03.
      My Computers


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:07.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums