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How to Stop Word Desktop Icons from Moving After Saving Files
Question details
The user wants to prevent desktop icons from automatically moving or rearranging after saving a Microsoft Word document on the desktop.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Saving a frequently edited Word document that is located directly on the computer desktop.
- Observed behavior
- During the save process, Word creates and deletes temporary files. When hidden files are visible, this forces the desktop to refresh and the Word icons to visually change positions.
Ensure your desktop is not set to auto-arrange. Right-click an empty area on your desktop, hover over 'View', and verify that 'Auto arrange icons' is unchecked before making additional changes.
Disable the Display of Hidden Files
Hiding hidden files prevents the temporary files Word creates during saving from becoming visible, which stops the desktop from refreshing and shifting your icons.
Microsoft Word naturally creates temporary hidden files to protect your data during saves. When these appear and disappear on the desktop, they disrupt your icon layout. Disabling their visibility solves the issue.
Press the Windows key + E on your keyboard or click the yellow folder icon on your taskbar to open File Explorer.
Click on the 'View' tab at the top of the File Explorer window to reveal the folder view options and layout settings.
Locate the 'Show/hide' section in the ribbon and uncheck the box labeled 'Hidden items'. Close the window and try saving your desktop Word file again.
Edit Word Documents in a Dedicated Folder
Moving frequently edited documents off the desktop prevents the desktop environment from reacting to the temporary files generated during the save process.
Experience Clutter-Free Editing with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word's temporary files continue to disrupt your desktop layout, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, fully compatible alternative that offers seamless built-in cloud storage to keep your workspace organized and completely clutter-free.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite in minutes.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and instantly open your existing Microsoft Word documents without losing any of your formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Word create temporary files when I save a document?
Word generates hidden temporary files (often starting with a tilde and dollar sign, like ~$filename.docx) to safely manage the save process, handle file locking, and prevent data loss in the event of a system crash.
Why do my PDF files not cause desktop icons to move?
PDF viewers and editors use a different background process for saving. They typically update the file data directly in memory without generating visible temporary files in the same directory, meaning the desktop does not experience the refresh that rearranges icons.
Can I stop Word from creating temporary files altogether?
No, the creation of temporary files is a core structural function of Microsoft Word designed to protect your data. You cannot disable this feature, but you can hide the files or edit them outside the desktop to avoid visual disruptions.
