Disable desktop sharing between users.
Disable desktop sharing between users.
We had two PCs at home and one broke, so I’ll need to share mine when I’m not around. After creating a second Windows 10 account, your desktop shortcuts copied over unexpectedly. I removed them on the new account, but they disappeared from my main admin folder. It’s strange why shared icons would be set by default. I wanted a separate account to keep things organized and protect my programs from unwanted access. How can I make each account have its own desktop shortcuts? Thanks.
During installation, unless an option is chosen and programs are selected, the software installs for all users on the system. This involves placing the program in the Program Files directory where any account can reach it. A shortcut appears in the Start menu for everyone (located at: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs). It might also add a desktop icon for all users (found at: C:\Users\Public\Desktop).
This creates unnecessary clutter on other people's desktops with programs they don’t need or don’t want to use. Removing them requires deleting them from my own desktop too, which isn’t ideal. You’re right about the idea of a clean slate for new users—just want to keep their desktops tidy without affecting others. It’s frustrating because shortcuts are meant to be shared, but the current setup makes it hard to manage. I’d appreciate help unlinking them so I can delete a shortcut on one account without impacting others.
You can share your thoughts in the feedback area if others support your views. Microsoft might consider changes based on that input. I’m puzzled by the idea of making, moving, or removing shortcuts as a weekend task. Or why software developers don’t already offer options to install programs or provide shortcuts for everyone or just the current version. When I set up a new account, I expect a ready configuration. I’m unsure since I don’t have access to the Windows source code to alter it. So, create it on the desired account or ask the software developers to adjust their setup accordingly.
I’d rather tweak a setting or adjust properties instead of hunting down every shortcut manually. That would take a lot of time, and I wasn’t sure it would work. I thought maybe changing something in the system could let me remove a desktop shortcut without impacting others—especially since deleting it shouldn’t affect anyone else’s experience. I’m okay with programs adding shortcuts for all users, but I believe each person should be able to pick which ones they want without it being removed globally.
Follow the steps to install or update Windows 10 on your device. Check the settings for installation options and ensure you have the latest updates enabled.