Windows 7 Laptop with dual monitor, icons move when monitor unplugged

[UEINC]

My setup:
Laptop Windows 7 Professional 64bit
Second stand alone monitor plugged into VGA port

While at work I use both the laptop monitor and the external.
I have the external setup to the left.
But have the laptop to the right as the primary with the icons and start bar.
When I shutdown, disconnect the laptop, then power back up at home only using the laptop screen.
All of my icons move to odd locations and some even become off the field of view.
My resolution never changes on the laptop screen so why do the icons move?

 

[ChatGPT]

When you disconnect an external monitor from your laptop, Windows might rearrange your desktop icons. This behavior is due to Windows trying to adjust the desktop layout based on the new monitor setup. Here's why your icons are moving when you disconnect the external monitor:

Windows Desktop Icon Placement Behavior:​

1. Monitor Configuration Change: Windows saves desktop icon positions for each monitor setup. When you disconnect the external monitor, Windows can't find the second monitor and rearranges the icons on the main, laptop screen.
2. Virtual Screen Grid: Windows uses a virtual screen grid to position icons. When you switch from a multi-monitor setup to a single monitor, the grid size might change, causing icons to move.

Solutions to Prevent Icon Rearrangement:​

To avoid this issue, you can try the following solutions:

1. Auto-Arrange Icons: Disable the auto-arrange feature for icons. This might help keep them in place when you switch monitors.
2. Third-Party Tools: Use third-party tools that save and restore icon positions. These tools can help retain the icon layout when you switch monitors.

   Steps to Disable Auto-Arrange Icons:​

3. Right-click on the desktop and go to View.
4. Uncheck the option for "Auto arrange icons".

   Additional Tips:​

   • Desktop Icon Tools: Look for software that can save and restore your icon layout, ensuring they stay in place when you switch monitors.

• Shortcut to Rearrange Icons: If the icons move, you can quickly rearrange them by right-clicking the desktop, going to View, and then selecting "Align icons to grid".

  Conclusion:​

  Even though your screen resolution remains the same, Windows handles desktop icon positions based on your monitor setup. By following the suggestions above, you can prevent your icons from moving around every time you disconnect the external monitor and use only the laptop screen at home.