If you’re facing issues with Windows 11 where the ‘Recommended files’ setting in Start resets to ‘ON’ even after you’ve switched it off, or if files on your desktop are re-arranging after a restart, you’re not alone. This problem can occur due to several reasons, including system settings conflicts or company-enforced policies. In this article, we’ll walk through potential causes and solutions to fix these issues.
1. Understanding the ‘Recommended Files’ Settings Issue
When you change the setting in Windows 11 under Settings → Personalization → Start → ‘Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer,’ the setting should remain off. However, in some cases, especially in corporate environments or where group policies are applied, this setting may revert back to ‘ON’ automatically. This issue could also be caused by syncing problems or temporary glitches in the system settings.
2. Why Desktop Files Reset After Changing Settings
One of the common issues users face when switching the ‘Recommended files’ setting off is that files on the desktop may automatically re-arrange or reset after a restart. This can occur due to conflicting settings or a system glitch related to the desktop layout. You mentioned that ‘Auto Arrange Icons’ is turned off, and ‘Align Icons to Grid’ is on, but the problem persists. This may be linked to how Windows handles icon caching and the desktop layout configuration.
3. Potential Solutions for Fixing ‘Recommended Files’ Reset and Desktop Layout
Here are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue:
- Clear Icon Cache: Sometimes, Windows stores outdated information about the desktop layout in the icon cache. Clear the icon cache by navigating to the following directory: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer, and delete the files with the name ‘iconcache’. Afterward, restart your computer to rebuild the cache.
- Check Group Policies: If you’re using a corporate machine or a system with enforced policies, it’s possible that a group policy is automatically resetting this setting. You can try opening the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) and navigating to User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Start Menu and Taskbar. Look for any policies that might be enforcing the ‘Recommended files’ setting.
- Ensure Sync Settings Are Off: If you’re using a Microsoft account, your settings might be syncing across devices. Go to Settings → Accounts → Sync your settings, and turn off syncing to see if this helps prevent the reset.
- Try Using a New User Profile: If the issue continues, you can try creating a new user profile to see if the problem persists. Sometimes, a corrupt user profile can cause settings to reset.
4. How to Prevent Desktop File Reset in the Future
To avoid desktop files resetting after changes, you can follow these steps:
- Lock Desktop Icons: After you’ve arranged your desktop files, lock them in place by going to the desktop, right-clicking, and selecting ‘View’ → ‘Align Icons to Grid.’ This will help prevent icons from rearranging themselves.
- Back Up Your Settings: Use the built-in Windows Backup or a third-party tool to back up your desktop layout and other settings. This way, if your desktop settings are reset, you can easily restore them.
- Monitor System Updates: Keep your system updated, as bugs or issues related to settings resetting are often fixed in Windows updates.
Conclusion
While it can be frustrating to deal with issues related to the ‘Recommended files’ setting resetting or desktop files rearranging, there are several steps you can take to fix and prevent these problems in Windows 11. Clearing the icon cache, checking group policies, and disabling sync settings can help address the issue. Additionally, locking desktop icons and backing up your settings can prevent future disruptions. If the issue persists, consider creating a new user profile or checking for any company-enforced settings that might be causing the problem.
コメント