Desktop icons disappear at startup and Pictures/Videos folders are missing
Asked by
MellowCedar47
During the first few seconds after my computer starts, all of my desktop icons are visible. Around 12 seconds later, most disappear, leaving only three shortcuts. The Desktop folder name also changes from "Desktop" to lowercase "desktop." My Pictures folder is empty, and opening Videos reports that the location is unavailable. I have important files in those folders and need to know how to restore them without losing anything.
Answers
Since OneDrive is installed, it may be taking over the Desktop, Pictures, and Videos folders through Known Folder Backup or switching between a local and OneDrive profile. Don’t delete, move, or overwrite anything yet. Click the OneDrive cloud icon and check whether syncing is paused, whether you’re signed into the correct account, and which folders are being backed up. Also check the OneDrive website and its recycle bin for the missing files. If they’re there, restore or copy them carefully before changing the sync settings. You can then disable folder backup or unlink OneDrive after confirming that the files are safely stored elsewhere.
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
MellowCedar47: Yes, I have OneDrive installed for school, so I’ll check whether it changed the folder locations and look for the files in the OneDrive account before making any changes.