Tweak Library – Change default location of the “Desktop” folder.

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Change default location of the “Desktop” folder.

With this setting, you can change the default location/path of the "Desktop" folder. Upon changing the path, all subsequent files will be saved at the new location.

Tweak for : Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2003, Windows 2000, Windows Vista

Description:

The Desktop is the main workspace in a graphical user interface environment for Windows systems. It is the screen area that immediately appears after logging in. Program shortcuts and commonly used files and folders are usually saved on the desktop. Though, this section appears to be an open area, the contents saved on the screen are basically stored in the "Desktop" folder on your system.

This setting enables you to change the default location/path of the "Desktop" folder.

For this, go to Start > Run, enter "regedit" and search the keys listed below. You can create an expandable string value "Desktop" in "User Shell Folders" key, if this value does not exist.

Now, double-click the Value Name "Desktop" under "Shell Folders" and "User Shell Folders" keys respectively, to define a new path in their Value Data fields for your "Desktop" folder.

Refresh view of your computer for the changes to take effect.

NOTE:
After changing the path, you have to copy all the files and folders saved at the old Desktop location to the new location. Then, you’ll have your existing Desktop files and folders at the new location. All subsequent files will be saved at the new location by default.

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Registry Entry Details:

Registry Entry 1 :

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders\]

Key Type :

Current User

Value Name :

Desktop

Data Type :

REG_SZ (String Value)

Enabled Value :

Disabled value :

Other value :

Define new path for Desktop folder.

Value Action :

Modified

Registry Entry 2 :

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders\]

Key Type :

Current User

Value Name :

Desktop

Data Type :

REG_EXPAND_SZ (Expandable String Value)

Enabled Value :

Disabled value :

Other value :

Define new path for Desktop folder.

Value Action :

Modified

Steps ScreenShots:

Apply registry settings according below given steps of screenshots with related changes.

First, click the Start button, and select Run. In the resulting dialog box, type "regedit".

Second, go to the 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders' key, right-click on the 'Desktop' String Value and click on 'Modify'.

Third, enter the new path like 'E:\Documents and Settings\Guest\Desktop' for Desktop folder in the Value Data field and click 'OK'.

Next, go to the 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders' key, right-click on the 'Desktop' Expandable String Value and click on 'Modify'.

Finally, enter the new path for Desktop folder in the Value Data field and click on 'OK'.