Tried to move Windows 10 desktop to file server

Boe Dillard 666 Reputation points
2021-07-16T00:52:56.447+00:00

Hello,

I have a lot of end users that insist on storing documents on their desktop. They don't want shortcuts and I prefer to not set up roaming profiles.

I'd like to just move their desktop to a personal drive (P) on the server that is backed up and secure. I tried this and the icons on the task bar disssappear. If I remove just one of them - by selecting the object in the start menu and unpinning from the taskbar - the remaining icons come back to the task bar. I can repin it but they'll all be gone on the next boot/login.

I have the latest version of Windows 10 installed with all the updates.

Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
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  1. Teemo Tang 11,336 Reputation points
    2021-07-16T01:17:17.957+00:00

    Hello,

    You could use something like Folder Redirection from a GPO. Then just take backups of the user desktop folder configured. Make sure to run this in a test environment first, as there are certain settings to use in order to copy user data in the first instance from the client PC to the share.
    https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj649078(v=ws.11).aspx

    A similar case here:
    https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/2157991-best-practice-to-automatic-backup-documents-of-employees-on-file-server

    On the other hand, if circumstances allowed in your company, OneDrive is another good way to save your users’ desktop folder.

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  2. Boe Dillard 666 Reputation points
    2021-07-16T01:41:07.273+00:00

    Thanks but I don't think one drive is the solution. The issue seems to be something with taskbar items showing up when the desktop has been moved. We'd prefer to use a network folder where we have easy access and control and archive functions already in place.

    Hopefully I'll be able to get on that computer tomorrow and I'll try some of these - https://thegeekpage.com/fix-taskbar-icons-missing-windows-10/