Windows 10 desktop icons are disordered when an external display is attached

Question

I am using a laptop and sometimes I plug in an external (and bigger) monitor via a docking station. The problem is that I have my desktop icons arranged in my laptop (picture 1) but when I attach it to the docking station I see them in the wrong order in the bigger display (picture 2).

I think it may have something to do with different resolutions and/or scale (my laptop has 125% scale while the bigger screen is set to 100%). But I need them that way so that applications are displayed properly in both screens.

When I unplug the bigger screen the icons get back to the right position but only if I don't change them. If I try to rearrange them, they become completely disordered when disconnecting the external display.

Why is happening this to me and how can I get the icons to respect their position even if I change the display resolution/scale?

Solution

The only option is to use the Desktop icons layout save utilities. Save the location before any manipulation or configure the automation in the utility and restore after. A good option is https://softwareok.com/?Download=DesktopOK

Comments

[Admin]

The terminology you're using is incorrect. Resolution and scaling are different things. When you mention 125% and 100% that's the scale, not the resolution.

[user1314836]

@GabrielaGarcia Thank you for the nuance, I changed it in my question.

[John]

I organize icons into the top left (room at bottom and right). Then I can display at different resolution (say projector)

[user1314836]

I don't know how, but installing that program fixed the problem: now I don't have to save the desktop and restore it. Just works all of a sudden. Probably has something to do with the instalation of that software but I am not sure.

[user1314836]

After some time, now I need to restore the icons with DesktopOK each time but the program has become a must in my laptop everyday use.