IconShepherd

IconShepherd is a software utility for Windows that helps users manage the positions of desktop icons. It addresses the common problem of desktop icons shifting or becoming disorganized, allowing users to save their preferred icon layout and restore it if the icons are rearranged unexpectedly by the operating system. The tool is designed for users who want to maintain a consistent and personalized desktop appearance without manually repositioning icons after changes occur.

After installation, IconShepherd adds a small icon to the notification area of the Windows taskbar, next to the system clock. Through this icon or its desktop shortcut, users can access the IconShepherd menu. The menu includes a "Remember icons" command that saves the current arrangement of desktop icons. If the icons later become disordered, users can restore their saved layout with a few clicks. The utility also detects when the Windows "Auto arrange icons" option is enabled, which would prevent icon positions from being restored as intended. In such cases, IconShepherd notifies the user and offers to disable the auto arrange setting, or users can clear it manually via the desktop's View menu.

IconShepherd is compatible with several versions of Windows, including Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. The tool is delivered as a downloadable application for Windows operating systems.