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Edge Shortcut Keeps Appearing on Desktop: 5 Easy Fixes
Check some quick fixes recommended by experts
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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While Microsoft Edge has its fair share ofinnovative and user-friendly features, a lot of users prefer otherreliable browsersover it. But, of late, users reported a problem wherein the Edge shortcut keeps appearing on the desktop.
The issue was reported on all iterations, even for users who never used the browser, and there was no word from Microsoft on it. This left users perplexed, many wondering if wasmalware. So, if you, too, are concerned, here’s all you need to know.
Why does the Edge shortcut keep appearing on the desktop?
The primary reason the Edge shortcut appeared on the desktop is that the browser underwent an update in the background. TheRelease Notes for Microsoft Edgelist quite a few updates in the second and third week of January 2023.
So, if the shortcut appeared around the same time andEdge was updated, you know the culprit. Let’s now walk you through the solutions that did the trick for other users.
What can I do if the Edge shortcut keeps appearing?
1. Delete the Edge shortcut
When faced with the problem, your primary approach should be to delete the Edge shortcut. Just right-click on the shortcut, and chooseDeletefrom the context menu./
Though, there’s a chance that the Edge shortcut will keep appearing on the desktop. If you want to fix things once and for all, the solutions below will help.
2. Disable Edge from launching at the startup
While you are at it, also make sure to remove Microsoft Edge from thestartup folder in Windows. This will stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background and prevent it from creating a shortcut on the desktop.
Also, find out the other ways tostop Edge from loading at startup.
3. Disable automatic updates for Edge
This is a quick way to disable automatic updates in Edge to prevent it from creating desktop shortcuts. It’s worked for many. Though, if you use the browser, even occasionally, we wouldn’t recommend disabling updates.
4. Modify the Registry
This is a concrete fix that will prevent Edge from creating a shortcut on the desktop. To revert the changes, all you have to do is delete the newDWORD.
5. Check the Task Scheduler
If the problem persists, it could be that Edge is configured to run in theTask Scheduler, an issue reported by many. Here, you will have to check this manually and delete the configured task, if any.
Once done with the solutions here, the Edge shortcut will not keep appearing anymore on the desktop in Windows, be it any iteration.
While we are discussing the browser, find out how tofix issues with Edge’s window position and size, another common problem reported by several users.
For any queries or to share another possible fix for the problem, drop a comment in the section below.
More about the topics:Microsoft Edge issues
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
