I don't know that a desktop icon is really considered malware. People still have tons of desktop shortcuts if they use a PC, and don't select the option to not have it even when provided it.
I'd say it's considered 'bloatware'....additional software (usually trialware) the OEM bundles with the PC to subsidize the cost. But considering that ostensibly legit trialware like Norton scare users with its threatening popups, it may as well be malware to some.
It's been a while, but I remember Adobe software (e.g. Photoshop) doing desktop shortcuts by default, Steam & Epic Games-vended software doing desktop shortcuts by default, etc.
