How to fix the Microsoft Edge shortcut being created on the desktop

This time, I would like to introduce what to do if a Microsoft Edge shortcut is created on your desktop without your permission.

According to the information I just received, it seems that in some environments, a Microsoft Edge shortcut is being created on the desktop without your permission.

Many users have reported the issue on social news site Reddit.

According to users, it is created every time Microsoft Edge is updated.

Also, in some cases, when you pin a shortcut to the taskbar or start menu, a shortcut may be created on the desktop if there is no shortcut on the desktop.

Microsoft always recommends Microsoft Edge, so I believe this issue is not a bug but a recent specification.

Temporary workaround to prevent shortcuts from being created on the desktop

1. Registry Edit

If you operate the registry incorrectly, it may cause problems such as the system being unable to start. Please make a backup in advance using system restore or similar, and proceed at your own risk.

• How to create and restore a system restore point
• How to open and back up the Registry Editor
• Windows 11/10 Registry Basics: Concept, How to Open, and Internal Structure
• How to Take Ownership and Change Permissions in Windows 11 Registry
  

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Pochip

There is information that you can prevent shortcuts from being created during installation by adding a registry value, but Microsoft says, "If Microsoft Edge is already installed, this policy will have no effect." Therefore, it may not be effective in some environments.

CreateDesktopShortcutDefault
Prevent creation of desktop shortcuts during default installation
Microsoft Edge Update 1.3.128.0 or later

Description
You can specify the default behavior for all channels to create shortcuts on the desktop when Microsoft Edge is installed.

If you enable this policy, a desktop shortcut is created for Microsoft Edge when it is installed. If you disable this policy, a desktop shortcut is not created for Microsoft Edge when it is installed. If you don't configure this policy, a desktop shortcut is created for Microsoft Edge during installation. If Microsoft Edge is already installed, this policy has no effect.

https://learn.microsoft.com/ja-jp/deployedge/microsoft-edge-update-policies#createdesktopshortcutdefault

1. Press Windows key + R to open Run, type "regedit" and press Enter.

2. The Registry Editor will open, so open the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\EdgeUpdate

*If the "EdgeUpdate" key does not exist, right-click on the "Microsoft" key > New > "Key" and change the name of "New Key #1" to "EdgeUpdate".

3. Right-click on the "EdgeUpdate" key > New > "DWORD (32-bit) Value".

4. Rename "New Value #1" to "CreateDesktopShortcutDefault".

*The value data for "CreateDesktopShortcutDefault" is "0." The newly created "DWORD (32-bit) Value" is set to "0," so exit Registry Editor and restart your PC.

If editing the registry doesn't solve the problem, or if you're worried about editing the registry, you can hide the Microsoft Edge shortcut.

2. Hide the Microsoft Edge shortcut

1. Right-click the Microsoft Edge shortcut and click Properties.

2. Open the General tab, check the check box to the left of "Hidden files," and click OK.

If you see "Access Denied," click "Continue."

The Microsoft Edge shortcut will now be hidden.