How to Restore Desktop Icon Positions on Windows

Have you ever faced the frustration of your desktop icons being rearranged after playing Windows games or applying resolution changes? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this guide, we'll walk you through two handy apps, DesktopOK and ReIcon, that will help you save and restore your desktop icon layouts effortlessly. Whether you're using Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, these apps have got your back!

DesktopOK - Saving and Restoring Icon Layouts

a. Overview of DesktopOK:

DesktopOK is a reliable app that has been around for quite some time. It is a straightforward tool designed to help you manage your desktop icon layouts. With DesktopOK, you can save multiple desktop configurations and restore them whenever needed.

b. Manual Saving and Restoring:

To manually save your desktop icon layout using DesktopOK, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Download and install DesktopOK from the official website or a trusted source.

Step 2: Launch the app and arrange your desktop icons as desired.

Step 3: Open DesktopOK and click on the "Save" button. Give your layout a descriptive name and click "OK" to save it.

Step 4: Whenever you want to restore the saved layout, open DesktopOK and select the desired layout from the list. Click on the "Restore" button, and your icons will be restored to their saved positions.

c. Automatic Saving Option:

DesktopOK also offers an automatic saving option, which is incredibly convenient for those who frequently change their desktop layouts. To enable this feature, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open DesktopOK and go to the "Options" menu.

Step 2: Select "Auto-Save" from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Choose your preferred time interval for saving the desktop icon layout. You can set it to save every few minutes or hours.

Step 4: Click "OK" to save the settings.

Now, DesktopOK will automatically save your desktop icon layout at the specified interval. If your icons get rearranged due to any reason, you can easily restore them to their previously saved positions using the app.

ReIcon - Portable App with Context Menu Integration

a. Introduction to ReIcon:

ReIcon is a portable alternative to DesktopOK that offers additional features. It is a lightweight app that provides a seamless way to save and restore desktop icon positions. One standout feature of ReIcon is its integration with the right-click menu, making it incredibly convenient for users to access and restore their saved layouts.

b. Saving and Restoring Icons Using ReIcon:

To save and restore your desktop icon positions using ReIcon, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download ReIcon from the official website or a trusted source and extract the contents to a folder.

Step 2: Launch ReIcon by double-clicking on the executable file.

Step 3: Arrange your desktop icons as desired.

Step 4: Right-click anywhere on the desktop and select "Save Icon Positions" from the context menu. Give your layout a name and click "Save."

Step 5: To restore the saved layout, right-click anywhere on the desktop, go to the "Restore Icon Positions" option in the context menu, and select the desired layout. Your icons will be restored to their saved positions.

c. Right-Click Menu Integration:

One of the standout features of ReIcon is its integration with the right-click menu. This means you can directly access your saved layouts without having to open the app separately. Simply right-click anywhere on the desktop, go to the "Restore Icon Positions" option in the context menu, and select the layout you want to restore. It provides a seamless experience for managing your desktop icon positions.

Utilizing both Apps for Icon Restoration

a. Scenario-based Example:

Let's consider a common scenario where icons get rearranged due to resolution changes after playing Windows games. This can be frustrating, especially if you have meticulously arranged your icons for easy access. In such a situation, using both DesktopOK and ReIcon together can be incredibly helpful.

b. Step-by-step Instructions:

Step 1: Before playing a Windows game, save your desktop icon layout using either DesktopOK or ReIcon, following the instructions mentioned in the previous sections.

Step 2: Play the game and make any necessary resolution changes.

Step 3: After finishing the game, close it, and your desktop icons will likely be rearranged.

Step 4: To restore your icons to their original positions, open either DesktopOK or ReIcon and select the previously saved layout.

Step 5: Your icons will be restored to their saved positions, and you can continue using your desktop as usual.

By now, you should be equipped with the knowledge of two incredible apps, DesktopOK and ReIcon, that can save you from the headache of manual icon repositioning. Whether you prefer the simplicity of DesktopOK or the additional features offered by ReIcon, both apps are guaranteed to make your desktop icon restoration process a breeze. Say goodbye to icon rearrangements after gaming sessions or resolution changes - let these friendly apps do the work for you!