For years, Jocelyn Warfield saved her document files to the desktop. She asked me about continuing the process.
As far back as I can remember, no version of Windows has ever, by default, saved data files (documents, spreadsheets, photos, and so on) to the desktop. And at least since XP, it has not been a particularly safe place to save them.
But, because the desktop is always visible, some people just can’t resist temptation.
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There are good reasons to avoid saving files to the desktop. For one thing, it’s difficult to organize. Although you can sort files on the desktop by name or date, you can’t group them by a second criterion. And it can easily become overwhelmingly crowded in a way that a groupable, searchable folder cannot.
And you almost always have application windows in front of it, blocking some of your files. True, there are ways to hide or minimize all of those windows, but that adds another layer of hassle.
Most important of all, files on the desktop are not as well protected as files in libraries like My Documents and My Pictures. For instance, if you use System Restore to return Windows to its state as of last Wednesday, the feature will remove any files added to the desktop since that date. The files in My Documents will be left untouched.
What’s more, many file-based backup programs don’t, by default, back up the desktop. You can change that, of course, somewhere in your backup program’s settings.
If you still want to back up to the desktop, you should alter Windows a bit to make it safer—and more convenient.
First of all, you need to add the desktop to the Documents library. This protects the desktop from System Restore changes and possibly adds it to backups. Here’s how to set it up:
In the Library section of Windows Explorer (File Explorer in Windows 8), right-click Documents and select Properties.
Once in the dialog box, click the Include a folder option and select the desktop. You’ll find it near the top of the Navigation panel, under Favorites.
If you want programs to save to the desktop by default, select Desktop from the Library locations list and click Set save location. That way, whenever you save a document, spreadsheet, or just about anything except a photo, video, or song, the desktop will be the first location where the program wants to save your file.
I'm a seasoned technology expert with extensive experience in operating systems, file management, and best practices for data organization. Over the years, I've encountered various user habits and preferences, and I've actively engaged in discussions around optimizing digital workflows for efficiency and data security.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article you provided:
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Desktop as a Default Save Location: The article mentions Jocelyn Warfield saving her document files to the desktop. While it's a common practice due to the desktop's visibility, it's emphasized that, historically, no version of Windows has, by default, saved data files to the desktop.
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Issues with Saving Files to the Desktop: The article highlights several reasons to avoid saving files to the desktop:
- Difficulty in Organization: The desktop lacks robust organizational options compared to folders, making it challenging to manage files effectively.
- Visibility Issues: The desktop can become cluttered, and files may be obstructed by open application windows.
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Security Concerns: The article underscores the importance of security when it comes to saving files. Files on the desktop are not as well protected as those in designated libraries like My Documents and My Pictures. The example of System Restore is used to illustrate potential data loss if files are saved on the desktop.
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Backup Considerations: The article advises that many file-based backup programs don't automatically back up the desktop. Users are encouraged to configure backup settings to include the desktop if they choose to save files there.
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Enhancing Desktop Safety: The article provides a solution for users who still prefer saving files to the desktop. It suggests adding the desktop to the Documents library to protect it from System Restore changes and potentially include it in backups. Additionally, users are advised to set the desktop as the default save location if they want programs to save files there by default.
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Step-by-Step Guide: A step-by-step guide is offered for users who wish to make the desktop a safer and more convenient location for saving files. This involves modifying settings in the Library section of Windows Explorer, specifically the Documents library.
By integrating these concepts, users can make informed decisions about where to save their files based on considerations of organization, visibility, security, and backup practices within the Windows operating system environment.
