Not a single version of Windows since XP has saved files such as photos, spreadsheets and text documents by default to Desktop.

 

This is for the simple reason that it isn’t safe but some people find this to be convenient since it is always visible.

 

However, there are a number of reasons why one should avoid saving files to Desktop. Probably, the first of the lot involves organization. The only way by which you can sort these files is by name or date.

 

Yet it becomes impossible to find a file when your Desktop is overcrowded and which is why folders are preferred to saving them at this location.

 

Unfortunately, if you do take this approach, you’ll also have to contend with application windows that will be open at any given point of time. While it’s easy to minimize or hide these windows, that just adds another level of complexity.

 

Another reason why you should prefer using folders instead of Desktop is when you perform a System Restore, the files on Desktop won’t be saved as opposed to in your folders.

 

In addition, a number of file-based backup programs don’t protect files on Desktop either. Of course, you can change this in the backup program’s settings easily.

 

Of course, if you want to still back you files on Desktop, then altering a few settings in the Library section of Windows Explorer.. Select Documents and then Properties. Click the ‘Include a Folder’ and select the desktop. You should find it near the top of the Navigation Panel which is under Favorites.

 

Alternatively, if you want to save files to Desktop by default, all you have to do is save Desktop from the Library locations list and click Set Save Location.