Losing all desktop folders and taskbar pinned apps when I restart pc

Barb · 2025-03-19T15:28:12-0400

Why does Windows 11 Pro lose all my saved folders on my desktop and all the apps I have linked to Start Menu and pinned to my taskbar when I restart the PC? I also lose the Windows App for remote desk login. This happened twice. The first time, after leaving computer off over weekend, when I turned it back on, all was back to normal. Today, the same issue happened when I restarted the PC. Please help. Thanks, Barb

glasskuter · 2025-03-19T16:26:25-0400

Welcome to the forum. Is the default location of your desktop folder Onedrive?
Right click on desktop folder>select properties>location tab

Barb · 2025-03-19T16:32:33-0400

Thank you! I will check that for sure!

What about all the apps pinned to taskbar and to Start menu?

glasskuter · 2025-03-19T17:21:25-0400

Barb said:
What about all the apps pinned to taskbar and to Start menu?

I was going to take it one thing at a time. Do you use any 3rd party app that alters your GUI? If so, either update it or uninstall it.

If that doesn't work, test using clean boot. Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 11 to Troubleshoot Software Conflicts
If it doesn't happen in clean boot, you have some software conflict.

Barb said:
I also lose the Windows App for remote desk login. This happened twice. The first time, after leaving computer off over weekend, when I turned it back on, all was back to normal. Today, the same issue happened when I restarted the PC

What exactly does this mean. Are you saying the actual app disappears from your computer OR do you mean your remote desktop connection drops?
Then you say computer was off that first time. If the computer was off, why do you think you lost the app if the app was there when you turned it back on? Are you mistaking computer being asleep to being off? Sorry, but it makes a big difference.in the advice we give if we do not have a clear picture of exactly what is happening.
When possible screenshots help.
I'm just not understanding.

Barb · 2025-03-19T17:25:08-0400

Hmmm, I have to think about all the questions you sent. I am not a tech person at all! Thank you for options to pursue.
I may need a tech guy to come to my house to help!

glasskuter · 2025-03-19T17:45:06-0400

Barb, do you know the differnce in sleep and shut down (power off)? With sleep (or hibernate if you use it), the image on the screen comes back up almost immediately simply by tapping a keyboard key or a click or move of the mouse. In sleep, usually the power light is still on and/or blinking. If the computer is completely off, there will be no lights on the computer. You have to press the power button and go through boot-up to get the image back on the screen..

antspants · 2025-03-19T17:57:50-0400

Hi, Barb, welcome to the forum.

You’re in good hands with glasskuter.

I do have a question or two though.

Firstly, could you please open search (or Run) on your PC and type winver then press enter. Please tell us the Windows version and the “Build”

To open Winver in Windows 11, press the Windows key + R, type winver, and then press Enter.

Also, do you only have one user for the OS or do you have a secondary user account that shows at login?

dacrone · 2025-03-19T18:02:14-0400

only to chime in with 1 thing here, then back to @glasskuter for support:

Hold down the Windows Key (has the windows flag logo) and press R. let go of both.
the "Run..." box opens in the bottom left of your monitor
type in or copy and paste this:

Code:

%SystemDrive%\Users

press "OK" button
in the folder that opens, tell us what names you see in there (name of each user profile folder). you may be logging in with a cached profile.

glasskuter · 2025-03-19T19:18:38-0400

dacrone said:
Then back to glasskuter for support:

Oh, no you don't. Everyone's suggestions are needed here, especially from one as knowledgable as you and @antspants . Without more info, I'm flying by the seat of my pants here. I hadn't even thought of another user.

dacrone · 2025-03-19T19:23:05-0400

glasskuter said:
Oh, no you don't. Everyone's suggestions are needed here, especially from one as knowledgable as you and @antspants . Without more info, I'm flying by the seat of my pants here. I hadn't even thought of another user.

lol i'm just a n00b. but i'll chime in when OP comes back

antspants · 2025-03-19T19:31:11-0400

glasskuter said:
Oh, no you don't. Everyone's suggestions are needed here, especially from one as knowledgable as you and @antspants . Without more info, I'm flying by the seat of my pants here. I hadn't even thought of another user.

It’s just frustrating when you invest as much effort and time (Like you always do) and someone comes in and interrupts or diverts. Just thinking of you

But it’s not all on you. Thats often a heavy weight to carry.

Losing all desktop folders and taskbar pinned apps when I restart pc

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