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Windows XP and the Display - Desktop

Toggle Windows Automatically Arranging Desktop Icons

SUMMARY: Do you want all of your Windows XP Desktop icons arranged in a group, or would you rather have more control?

Icons on your Windows XP Desktop may appear lined-up, nice and neat with icons placed into distinct rows and columns. Whenever you add icons, delete icons, move icons, etc., Windows XP may automatically re-arrange them to keep this pattern.

Or, you may have more control over icon placement and can place icons wherever you wish. Icons may snap to an invisible grid, but you may still be able to move them around the screen.

If you would like to toggle this behavior, do the following:


1. Right-click on an empty area of the Desktop.

2. Select "Arrange Icons By".

3. Check or uncheck "Auto Arrange" as desired.


While Windows XP should remember your Desktop icon placement preferences, in some situations it may still 'forget' your settings and rearrange icons.

Return to the Windows XP and the Display - Desktop page.

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The MalekTips website was created in 1998 by Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. The page's goal is to freely disperse computer-related tips, hints, and informative articles. Tips are organized to be easy to find, and are presented clearly, in easy-to-understand language. MalekTips also provides information and links to public-domain, open source, freeware, shareware, and commercial software available for download. < more >