Nov062012

Can I have external USB drives automatically appear on the Windows desktop?

Tyler asks:

I work often with the Macs in my school’s Mac lab, and I like how when I plug in a USB device, an icon linking to it automatically appears on the desktop. Is there a way I can have Windows do this? Like an app or program?

Thanks in advance!


Browser: Chrome 22
System: Windows 8
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10 Answers - Write an Answer

1 votes
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Douglas Mutay

November 6, 2012

Yes, there is one handy app called Desk Drive that can do the job. Once you in a USB device into your computer this smart app will automatically add a desktop icon pointing to the drive. And when you remove the media, the shortcut disappear. You’ll love it. Get it at this link http://blueonionsoftware.com/DeskDrive.aspx

Harish Jonnalagadda

Thanks for suggesting Desk Drive! Was not aware of it before.

November 6, 2012
Douglas Mutay

You’re most welcome! :-)

November 6, 2012
Aditya Roy

no support for windows 7 :(

November 6, 2012
Douglas Mutay

I use Desk Drive on my Windows 7 Professional 32bits and tried it also on Ultimate 64bits with succes. :) Y

November 7, 2012
Tyler Da Silva

I ended up choosing Desk Drive, and it was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks a lot!

November 18, 2012
Rubis Song

Thank you for this link. I have tried it and it worked perfectly!

February 1, 2013
0 votes
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ha14

November 6, 2012
0 votes
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Boni Oloff

November 6, 2012

Hmm.. Thats one cool thing about mac. But i thing you can make an icon in the Windows Desktop too, but not automaticly i think.

0 votes
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Lisa Santika Onggrid

November 6, 2012

Making your own batch file? Or try editing autorun.inf in your USB Drive. By the way, that’s a cool school you attend.
DeskDrive and Desktop Media below are pretty nice, hassle-free.
Or if you use Rainmeter, I’m sure there’s a plugin for that.

Douglas Mutay

Yes Lisa, Rainmeter does have a plugin with a skin that start hidden and fade in when a usb drive is plugged in. I think it’s also a good option to consider. Thanks.

November 6, 2012
0 votes
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josemon maliakal

November 6, 2012

Desk Drive is really cool

0 votes
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Jim Chambers

November 7, 2012

Its easier to do this on a Mac because most USB devices you plug in are made by or for Apple.

2 votes
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Aditya Roy

November 7, 2012

Same question popped in my head after watching this week’s episode of Dexter. :)

2 votes
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Aditya Roy

November 8, 2012

thanxx Douglas Mutay, i wouldn’t have given it a shot otherwise. :)

0 votes
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Shahbaz Amin

December 6, 2012

This Desk Drive sounds useful, might try it!!

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