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The thread discusses why a USB 3.0 flash drive appears automatically on the Windows 10 Desktop, unlike in Windows 7 or 8.1 where it only shows in "This PC". A respondent suggests it’s a shortcut that can be deleted, but the original poster notes that no such delete option is available, and questions why the drive’s behavior differs from previous Windows versions. The overall tone indicates curiosity and mild frustration over the changed appearance and management of external drives in Windows 10.
B

borate

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 6, 2011
Messages
75
Thread Author #1
Why does W10 File Explorer list a USB 3.0 flash drive on the Desktop?
No other USB device or standard drive is there.

Win 7 didn't include the stick on the Desktop. Don't recall seeing it there in 8/8.1 either.
This flash drive appeared in those systems only under the usual MY COMPUTER (This PC) listings.
 

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Neemobeer

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
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8,995
#2
It's probably just a shortcut to the drive. It will only be visible when you plug it in. Just delete the shortcut if you don't want it.
 

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B

borate

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 6, 2011
Messages
75
Thread Author #3
Agreed. But there's no option to delete it (right-click menu) either under Desktop or the This PC trees.
Interesting that the same drive, on the same machine, did not display in those places under previous Windows O/S.
 

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