Is It Recommended to Save Files and Folders on the Windows Desktop

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I work with a full, some people call it cluttered, windows desktop.  I save a lot of files and folders there for quick access.  I hate navigating folder trees for no reason.

Does this affect operation or performance of Windows 10 or 11?  In old versions of Windows I heard tales that it did, but it never seemed to affect me.  Is this a habit I should be trying to break for technical reasons?

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Actually, your desktop is just a folder under your user ID
C:\Users\<your ID>\Desktop.
Files there shouldn’t cause any problem that files in any other of your folders cause.
If you don’t have a problem with the clutter – keep on keeping on!

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I don’t recommend storing files there as backup is trickier.
If you store all files in “Documents” you can just backup “Documents” to get all your data. Storing them on the Desktop requires you backup the entire user folder (to collect all data) and then it is more difficult to restore because you need to leave out the Windows specific files.

cheers, Paul

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Paul T wrote:

I don’t recommend storing files there as backup is trickier.

That depends on how “backup” is done.  I use drive images, and nothing is lost.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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LarryG wrote:

Does this affect operation or performance of Windows 10 or 11?

For years I’ve had many desktop icons (100+) arranged across 4 screens with no decrease in performance. I find it very convenient.

However, there are rare occasions when they all wind up in a clump on one screen. Here’s the EZ fix I use, but there is also 3rd party software available.

Open Regedit to this location:

Click “Export” and name the exported hive “DesktopIcons.reg”.

To recover your desktop icons:

Double click on your exported hive “DesktopIcons.reg” then restart windows explorer using task manager.

Suggest saving the registry location to Favorites:

Desktop mobo Asus TUF X299 Mark 1, CPU: Intel Core i7-7820X Skylake-X 8-Core 3.6 GHz, RAM: 32GB, GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti 4GB. Display: Four 27" 1080p screens 2 over 2 quad.

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NaNoNyMouse, RetiredGeek

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In a business setting if files are on the users profile rather than stored in a shared location it can mean that access is difficult.  I personally don’t like it from a “messy desktop” and “where did they file it when someone else needs it” view but that’s in business.

In a home setting as long as your backup software is either aware of it or taking a FULL backup of the drive then you should be fine.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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As a home user, I’m so hooked drive images that I always have an up to moment image (Incremental, Differential, Full) before I shut down everyday and available on 3 different drives. I realize for some (most?) it would be overkill, but the POM for me is priceless.

Desktop mobo Asus TUF X299 Mark 1, CPU: Intel Core i7-7820X Skylake-X 8-Core 3.6 GHz, RAM: 32GB, GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti 4GB. Display: Four 27" 1080p screens 2 over 2 quad.

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LarryG wrote:

In old versions of Windows I heard tales that it did, but it never seemed to affect me.  Is this a habit I should be trying to break for technical reasons?

From the file structure that windows is installed on (FAT vs NTFS), this was due to the limit of any folder’s size and not just the Desktop. We were told that if we stored too much on in the Desktop that limit could be reached and crash the Desktop. There currently is still a limit on the size of a folder, but I doubt that you would reach it as the limit is 16TB.
What’s on the Desktop and how it looks for an individual user’s PC is all about what that user wants and likes.
I am just the opposite of you and keep my Desktop clean (I even have invisible Desktop icons) because my Desktop displays my custom calendars slide show with daily reminders and I want that slide show front and center on my Desktop.

HTH, Dana:))

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RetiredGeek

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Dana,

Invisible Icons who knew? Certainly not me!

So I googled it and sure enough you can do this here’s a link to step by step instructions.

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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RetiredGeek wrote:

Invisible Icons who knew? Certainly not me!

So I googled it and sure enough you can do this here’s a link to step by step instructions.

Or I could post my instructions I wrote long ago and is part of my free book.

I keep the invisible icons on the Desktop to utilize a keyboard shortcut for each icon, which is how I use them. IMO, I like to use the keyboard as much as the mouse to prevent long term repetitive damage that keyboard only or mouse only use can cause.

HTH, Dana:))

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Dana,

Please do!

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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RetiredGeek wrote:

Please do!

OK, but to keep things on topic I will place those instructions in the Windows 10 Other forum and label it Make an Icon Invisible.

HTH, Dana:))

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TechTango

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