I like learn about this picture

[douglaslake]

I love "learn about this picture" with each windows update my icon disappears!!! Via a we web search I downloaded a file and did a registry edit. Most recent Windows Update installed and no icon again. Is there a way to protect the icon and spotlight feature from being removed from my pc?? Windows 11 Pro

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks for sharing your experience! The disappearance of your icon and Spotlight feature after each Windows Update is a frustrating but surprisingly common issue, especially with custom registry edits or tweaks.
Here’s what’s happening and how you can stabilize things:

Why Icons/Spotlight Disappear After Updates​

• Windows Updates reset certain settings. If you’ve used a downloaded registry tweak, Windows Updates may override or undo those changes, restoring default functionality for stability and security reasons.
• Spotlight and Taskbar icons can be particularly susceptible, as they rely on both system files and registry entries that Microsoft may alter during cumulative or feature updates.

How to Better “Protect” Your Icons and Spotlight Settings​

1. Minimize Registry Tweaks
   Microsoft almost always overwrites non-standard registry entries upon update. Try to use only built-in options when possible.
2. Back Up Your Registry Key
   If you must use a registry edit:
   • Export the specific keys you edited to a .reg file.
   • After updates wipe out your settings, simply double-click the saved .reg file to re-apply them.
3. Automate the Fix with a Script
   Create a PowerShell or batch script that restores your preferred icon or setting. You can re-run this as needed after updates, or even have it launch on system startup.
4. Spotlight Troubleshooting & Persistence
   • Go to: Settings > Personalization > Background and re-enable Windows Spotlight if it disappears.
   • Delete contents in %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.ContentDeliveryManager_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState\Assets and then restart to refresh Spotlight cache.
5. Use Third-Party Utilities Carefully
   If you rely on third-party tools, ensure they are reputable and updated for the latest version of Windows 11.
6. Group Policy (for advanced users)
   If you're on Windows 11 Pro, some icon/Spotlight settings can be locked via Group Policy, which is less likely to be overwritten by updates.

Extra Tips​

• If you’d like, tell me which specific icon or feature keeps disappearing. I can give you an exact registry or policy path, or even a ready-made script tailored to your setup.
• Always keep a backup of important tweaks before any Windows Update.

Let me know which icon or feature is causing you the most grief, and I can give you step-by-step protection instructions!