Windows users have reported that the Microsoft Edge Shortcut keeps appearing on the desktop automatically, even after removing it. If you are using Windows and experiencing the same problem, here’s how to fix it.
1. Add a new Registry entry
This method will add a new entry to the Windows registry, preventing the Edge browser from creating shortcuts on your desktop.
1. Right-click on your desktop and select New > Text Document.
2. In the text document, copy and paste the content.
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate] "CreateDesktopShortcutDefault"=dword:00000000 "RemoveDesktopShortcutDefault"=dword:00000001
3. Click on the File menu at the top-right corner and select Save As.
4. Enter the file name, whatever you prefer. Make sure that the name ends with .reg. For example, techviral.reg.
5. After saving the reg file, move to the desktop screen and double-click on the file. You will see a confirmation prompt; click Yes.
2. Remove Microsoft Edge as the Default Browser
When you set a web browser as the default, you give it many system permissions to run background services and tasks. So, the best option is to remove it.
1. Click on the Windows Start menu and select Settings.
2. Switch to the Apps.
3. Click on the Default apps.
4. Use the search bar for any web browser other than Edge.
5. After selecting the web browser, click the Set default option at the top-right corner.
3. Disable Microsoft Edge from Running on Startup
If the Microsoft Edge shortcut appears on the desktop after the restart, you need to find and disable Edge from the Startup Apps tab of Task Manager.
1. Click on Windows search and type Task Manager.
2. Switch to the Startup apps.
3. Find and select msedge.exe.
4. Click on Disable.
This will prevent the Microsoft Edge browser from running during Windows startup. From now on, the Microsoft Edge shortcut will not appear on the desktop after you restart.
4. Disable Edge Related tasks on Task Scheduler
Schedule tasks for the Microsoft Edge include checking for updates, creating a desktop shortcut, etc. So, the scheduled tasks are often responsible for adding a new Edge shortcut on your Windows desktop. You will have to access the Windows Task Scheduler and stop all edge-related tasks.
1. Open the Task Scheduler app from the Windows Search.
2. Select Task Scheduler Library.
3. Right-click on the MicrosoftEdgeUpdateTaskMachineCore and disable it.
4. You also need to disable the MicrosoftEdgeUpdateTaskMachineUA.
5. Make Changes to the Local Group Policy Editor
You can also make a few changes to the Local Group Policy Editor to prevent the Microsoft Edge Shortcut from appearing on your desktop.
1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor from the Windows Search.
2. Navigate to the following path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Edge.
3. Find and double-click on the Allow Microsoft Edge to pre-launch at Windows startup, when the system is idle, and each time Microsoft Edge is closed policy.
4. Select Disabled and click Apply.
6. Update your Windows Operating System
Updating the operating system is a great way to ensure that your system has no bugs and the latest features. Also, updating will install all necessary device drivers on your system.
If the Microsoft Edge shortcut keeps appearing on your desktop due to a system glitch or bug, it’s time to update the operating system by going through Settings > Windows Update > Check for Update.
Also read: How to Import Chrome Data to Microsoft Edge
These are some of the best and easiest ways to fix the Microsoft Edge shortcut that keeps appearing on the desktop on Windows. Let us know in the comments below if you need more help fixing the problem.
