Fences 5 rearranges my icons - how can I disable this

Lock icon position in a fence

from Stardock Forums

I have Fences 5.  I defined my fences and placed my icons, but Fences rearranges the icons after launching a program in full screen mode.  I can't find a way to lock the icons so they stay in the same position.  It is irksome to have to scan through the fence trying to find the icon I'm looking for.

On previous computers and earlier versions of Fences, there was an option to lock the icons, but I am unable to find this functionality in version 5.  If there is not a way to lock the icons, is there a way I can go back to the previous version that provided that functionality?

configuration fences
3,939 views 4 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Need to know more details on your system and issue.

  1. Windows full version and OS Build number.
  2. Fences 5 full version number.
  3. You're referring to icons on your desktop or icons within the Fences?

Ever since Fence 5, lock feature was removed. For getting back the Lock Fences option, please refer to this guide: https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1621360668/Show+%22Lock+Fences%22+in+Fences+5

Thank you.
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

1. Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (OS Build 22631.4602) running on an I9-14900KF.

2. Fences Version 5.84

3. I am referring to desktop icons that are "Fenced".  I don't use rolled-up fences, portals, etc.  The icons are shortcuts to programs/applications or shortcuts to folders or possibly (briefly) files tied to applications i.e. text files associated with the kate editor, 7zip files, etc.

As a side note with additional data:  I have a two monitor setup, both running 3840x2160 resolution at 100%.  My fences are only defined to the primary monitor.  Something that may be related is that the issue appears to consistently occur when I launch an older application that reduces my resolution during execution but restores the resolution upon completion.

However, after applying the registry update you provided, restarting File Explorer and locking Fences, I launched one of the applications that invariably required me to restore the Fences and the issue is still occurring, but doesn't seem as bad i.e. some icons were moved, but the upper left icon tied to the fence appeared to consistently remain in place after the lock.  Prior to the ability to lock, the icons would be arranged in some random order.

 

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Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Please post your setting on auto-layout. Something like screenshot below.

Also, try this steps taken from here: https://forums.stardock.com/528229

Troubleshooting

If you are having issues with monitor configurations with Fences 5.53 (or later):

  1. In Fences, enable 'Store my layout on a per-monitor-configuartion basis'.
  2. Connect as many monitors as you can have daily.  Meaning, if you normally would have 1 monitor connected, but could often have 3, please set the stage with 3.
  3. If necessary, resize and reposition your Fences as you see fit - including any on other monitors.
  4. Save a 'Backup in Fences (formerly called 'Shapshot') with a name that is descriptive of the state - 'My 3 Monitor setup' for example. 
  5. Reboot the PC, keeping it in that same state (3 monitors for example)

    NOTE:     With the new option set, upon reboot, there may indeed be a short delay between when the desktop is rendered and when Fences arranges the desktop.  In other words, if you reboot and things do not immediately seem correct, give it a few seconds before suspecting something is wrong. The same goes for connecting \ disconnecting monitors - Fences will take a moment to ensure Windows is done registering everything before it acts.

  6. Does it reboot with Fences scaled correctly and in the position you expected (and saved)?
  7. If you change the resolution of any of the monitors, do the Fences scale (same proportional size) properly?
  8. If you move or resize Fences, and restore the snapshot, does it restore them properly?

Please repeat steps 3-8 for any subset of monitors you could have, creating a snapshot for each (2 and 1 in this hypothetical scenario).

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi Arutha_conDoin,

Would love to do some more debugging with you on this one.

Is it possible to confirm above that "Store my layout on a per-monitor-configuartion basis" is selected, per above? Also, there is an updated version available that could help with this – v5.86. Please give that a try and confirm the "Store my layout on a per-monitor-configuartion basis" – if still broken, would be great to dive in deeper with you on this, if you're able to spend any time.

 

Btw, I'm wondering if you're able to reproduce the issue at all by manually resizing the main screen down to a much lower resolution and then setting it back, or if it's only when the games launch?

Thanks again