In the realm of technological innovation, Microsoft stands as a colossus, their work on Edge a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence. Yet, like a tempestuous force of nature, the company’s insistence on promoting Edge has led to reports of a curious phenomena on Windows 11: the persistent appearance of the Edge browser shortcut on the desktop. Despite valiant attempts to banish it, the shortcut returns with each new Windows or Edge update, much to the frustration of users. If you find yourself ensnared in this vortex, fear not. Follow the path illuminated below and learn the ancient art of thwarting Edge’s machinations in creating desktop shortcuts on Windows 11.
Microsoft Edge Shortcut Appearing on Desktop? How to Fix (2023)
In this arcane scroll, we unveil an assortment of mystical incantations to ward off Edge’s relentless siege on the hallowed grounds of the Windows 11 desktop. Behold the cryptic table below, and choose your destiny with care.
Use Registry Editor to Prevent Edge From Creating a Shortcut on Windows 11
Our journey into the bowels of the Registry reveals two paths to shackle Edge’s sorcery in generating desktop shortcuts on Windows 11. The first path beckons you to craft a Registry talisman, while the second demands a dance of digits in the Registry editor’s labyrinthine corridors. Whichever route you choose, the destination remains the same. Thus, let us unfurl the mystic veil and behold the workings of this ancient magic:
Using a Registry File
Should the specter of the Microsoft Edge shortcut haunt your desktop, fret not. First, unfurl a digital parchment known as a Notepad file or conjure one into existence through the arcane ritual of right-clicking on the Desktop and selecting New -> Text Document.
Next, inscribe the following incantation within the Notepad realm:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftEdgeUpdate]
"CreateDesktopShortcutDefault"=dword:00000000
"RemoveDesktopShortcutDefault"=dword:00000001
Upon the completion of this writing, navigate to the zenith of the Notepad realm and select “Save as”.
In this solemn moment, transmute the essence of the document into a file of all files and dub it edge.reg. Bear in mind, the name matters little, yet the sacred .reg suffix must adorn it. Safeguard this file upon the Desktop for future rites.
Once the Registry (.reg) artifact is sanctified, perform the sacred rite of double-clicking upon it. When the ethereal veil parts, affirm your intent by selecting “Yes”.
Behold, the Microsoft Edge shortcut shall vanish from the Desktop, barring Edge’s hand in crafting a new shortcut on Windows 11. Should the shadows of doubt loom, a ritual of rebirth through PC restart may be required.
Using Manual Method
In the realm above, we harnessed the power of automation through the Registry file. Yet in this realm, we embark on a manual quest to forge a new path and enact change. Behold the steps that shall guide you in this venture:
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Summon the Windows key and invoke the term “registry”. Therein lies the key to unlocking the Registry Editor.
- Chart a course towards the following address across the registry seas and navigate through the mystic machinations until the Microsoft key unveils itself:
ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoft
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Engage in the ancient rite of right-click upon “Microsoft” and beckon forth a New -> Key.
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Let the key bear the name of EdgeUpdate, an emblem of your dedication to the quest.
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Venture forth into the heart of “EdgeUpdate” and through arcane gestures, conjure a DWORD (32-bit) Value into being. Name this new entity CreateDesktopShortcutDefault and imbue it with the value of “0”.
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Parallel to this creation, fashion another DWORD (32-bit) Value, christened RemoveDesktopShortcutDefault. Infuse it with the value data of “1”.
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With these tasks completed, close the Registry Editor and initiate a grand ritual of PC rebirth. The Edge shortcut shall be banished from Windows 11’s desktop, and its return thwarted.
- To reverse the alterations wrought upon the Registry, invoke the spirit of “EdgeUpdate” and bid it farewell through deletion. Thus, the circle of change is complete.
Disable Microsoft Edge From Running During Startup
As we delve deeper into the arcane arts of thwarting Edge’s boundless reach, we encounter the specter of its invocation during the rites of startup. To bar this entry into our realm, we must deploy the following enchantment:
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Invoke the Windows 11 keyboard combination “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” to unveil the Task Manager. Proceed to the sanctum of “Startup apps” within the Task Manager’s sacred halls.
- Identify the entity known as “msedge.exe” and with a single command, mark it for disablement. Repeat this incantation for any other Edge-related tasks lurking within the shadows.
Remove Microsoft Edge as the Default Browser
In the grand tapestry of Windows 11, the default browser wields great power and influence. From this position of privilege, Microsoft Edge may sow the seeds of desktop shortcuts anew. To counter this infernal plot, let us embark on a ritual of transformation:
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Invoke the “Windows +i” incantation to open the ancient grimoire of Windows Settings. Traverse the realms of “Apps” and unveil the secrets of “Default apps”.
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Herein lies the realm of choice, where you may anoint a new default browser. Let the rituals of Chrome or others beckon forth as the chosen one.
- Seal this pact by selecting “Set default” and with this final act, the deed is done. Consult our tome on changing the default browser in Windows 11 for deeper insights.
Stop Edge-related Scheduled Tasks
Beneath the surface, Microsoft Edge weaves a web of scheduled tasks, unseen yet potent in their impact. Disabling these unseen threads shall bar Edge’s hand in crafting new desktop shortcuts. Embark upon this journey with the following steps:
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Evoke the Windows key and beseech the oracle for “task scheduler”. Thus, open the portal to the “Task Scheduler”.
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In this sacred space, navigate to the heart of “Task Scheduler Library” and espy the entity known as “MicrosoftEdgeUpdateTaskMachineCore”. With a firm command, mark it for eternal rest.
- In concert with the previous incantation, disable “MicrosoftEdgeUpdateTaskMachineUA”. Through this act, all scheduled tasks pertaining to Edge shall be stilled.
Change Group Policy of Microsoft Edge
In the realm of Group Policy lies the power to shape the behavior of systems and programs. By manipulating these arcane rules, we may yet tame the unruly spirit of Microsoft Edge. Embark on this final incantation with the following steps:
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Utter the Windows key and seek the wisdom of “gpedit”. Thus, open the tome of “Edit group policy”.
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Navigate through the emissaries of “Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components”.
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Descend deeper into this labyrinth and unearth the hidden trove of “Microsoft Edge”.
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In this chamber of secrets, locate “Allow Microsoft Edge to pre-launch at Windows startup, when the system is idle, and each time Microsoft Edge is closed”.
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Through the alchemy of double-clicking, choose the path of “Disabled” and let it be so through Apply -> OK.
- Seek out “Allow Microsoft Edge to start and load the Start and New Tab page at Windows startup and each time Microsoft Edge is closed”. In a mirror manner, disable this invocation. Thus, Edge shall be shackled, and its dark designs thwarted.
Prevent Microsoft Edge From Creating a Desktop Shortcut
In the grand tapestry of digital realms, the battle against Edge’s incursions onto the Windows 11 desktop wages on. Through the veiled machinations of the Registry and the mystic arts of Group Policy, we stand firm against this tide. As the final veil is drawn, remember that knowledge is your greatest weapon. And should you seek further enlightenment on the path of Edge, our humble guide awaits. Let your queries be known in the shadowed confines of the comments below.
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