In various embodiments, methods and systems for implementing a device management system with a restore prevention utility are provided. A request is received, at a control server, for an installation file for a restore prevention application. Based on receiving the request, the control server circumvents communication of the installation file based on transmitting a response code. The response code is an informational code that operates as an indicator to wait for a final response. Transmitting the response code triggers maintaining a pending state for the restore prevention application at the controlled device. The pending state includes the restore prevention application partially installed such that when the restore prevention application is partially installed an operating system cleanup utility operation to restore default device configurations for arranging application icons on the controlled device, is circumvented, to maintain an existing device configuration for arranging application icons on the controlled device.