The issue was reported on all iterations, even for users who never used the browser, and there was no word from Microsoft on it. This left users perplexed, many wondering if was malware. So, if you, too, are concerned, here’s all you need to know.

Why does the Edge shortcut keep appearing on the desktop?

The primary reason the Edge shortcut appeared on the desktop is that the browser underwent an update in the background. The Release Notes for Microsoft Edge list quite a few updates in the second and third week of January 2023. So, if the shortcut appeared around the same time and Edge was updated, you know the culprit. Let’s now walk you through the solutions that did the trick for other users.

What can I do if the Edge shortcut keeps appearing?

1. Delete the Edge shortcut

When faced with the problem, your primary approach should be to delete the Edge shortcut. Just right-click on the shortcut, and choose Delete from the context menu./ Though, there’s a chance that the Edge shortcut will keep appearing on the desktop. If you want to fix things once and for all, the solutions below will help.

2. Disable Edge from launching at the startup

While you are at it, also make sure to remove Microsoft Edge from the startup folder in Windows. This will stop Microsoft Edge from running in the background and prevent it from creating a shortcut on the desktop. Also, find out the other ways to stop Edge from loading at startup. SPONSORED

3. Disable automatic updates for Edge

This is a quick way to disable automatic updates in Edge to prevent it from creating desktop shortcuts. It’s worked for many. Though, if you use the browser, even occasionally, we wouldn’t recommend disabling updates.

4. Modify the Registry

This is a concrete fix that will prevent Edge from creating a shortcut on the desktop. To revert the changes, all you have to do is delete the new DWORD.

5. Check the Task Scheduler

If the problem persists, it could be that Edge is configured to run in the Task Scheduler, an issue reported by many. Here, you will have to check this manually and delete the configured task, if any. Once done with the solutions here, the Edge shortcut will not keep appearing anymore on the desktop in Windows, be it any iteration. While we are discussing the browser, find out how to fix issues with Edge’s window position and size, another common problem reported by several users. For any queries or to share another possible fix for the problem, drop a comment in the section below.

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