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Set windows desktop icons for all users

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Friday, June 28, 2019 4:49 PM

we have a TON of desktop computers to configure so we're imaging things. But I need to create a default set if icons that include icons in the THEME part of Windows (e.g. Computer [This PC], network, control panel, etc.). Users will NOT be doing this manually. When a new user logs in (first time) these all need to be on their desktop. (I would LOVE to be able to configure the task bar, too...but don't know if that's asking too much). 

How do we include these icons for ALL users (e.g. C:\Users\Public\Desktop) ? Because we have to go through Settings -> Themes to get them I'm assuming there's more to this than simply copying the icons from a default user to the Public desktop...

 

All replies (10)

Friday, June 28, 2019 5:13 PM

Hi 

You can : Use Group Policy Preferences under Group Policy - User Configuration.


Monday, July 1, 2019 7:32 PM

That's a great solution for domain networks. What about peer-to-peer networks? We have quite a few clients that do not have a server...


Monday, July 1, 2019 7:45 PM

That's a great solution for domain networks. What about peer-to-peer networks? We have quite a few clients that do not have a server...

>What about peer-to-peer networks?

It should be a new subject to open. 

Mohmo


Monday, July 1, 2019 8:03 PM

Why? The question wasn't answered, yet.


Monday, July 1, 2019 11:52 PM

Why? The question wasn't answered, yet.

>Set windows desktop icons for all users

You haven't tried my answer  : Use Group Policy Preferences under Group Policy - User Configuration

Mohmo


Tuesday, July 2, 2019 1:32 AM

 You have to view hidden folders:

C:\Users\Public\Public Desktop

S.Sengupta,Microsoft MVP Windows and Devices for IT, Windows Insider MVP


Tuesday, July 2, 2019 2:27 AM

It's not in a domain environment. Hard to try without a DC.


Tuesday, July 2, 2019 2:28 AM

That exposes the public desktop folder. But I want to make sure all users have This PC, Network, Control Panel. It's not a simple drag and drop into the Public Desktop folder.


Tuesday, July 2, 2019 9:28 AM

Hi,

Please refer to the following link to add desktop icons using REG file:

How to Add or Remove Common Desktop Icons in Windows 10

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/6942-add-remove-default-desktop-icons-windows-10-a.html#option2

Please Note: Since the website is not hosted by Microsoft, the link may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Then we can use logon script to apply these reg file for users.

Best Regards,

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Tuesday, July 2, 2019 6:46 PM

That does not add icons for all users. That's just how to add them to a single desktop. Users should not be expected to authorize these registry changes, either. I'm looking for a solution that will allow us to create (perhaps in the DEFAULT\Desktop or PUBLIC\Desktop folders?) the icons so all users will see them. If not, some type of script we can run (like the old LogOn scripts) that will process this. RegEdit hacks require the users to authorize these changes.