Why don't you give a .reg file? Since the days of Windows 95 whenever you placed a shortcut on the desktop for app or document, an arrow is placed on the lower corner of the icon. The desktop has to be free of icons or it will bug the crap out of me. Any help would be appreciated. 5. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). RELATED: How to Backup and Restore the Windows Registry. If you have the October 2020 Windows update, version 20H2, this method will not work and there are currently no workarounds to remove these shortcut arrows from app icons. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Step 1: Open Registry Editor on Windows. Oh that's much better. % of people told us that this article helped them. This also happened with previous versions of Windows when I tried to use a 3rd-party tool to do the same thing. 7. So, download this zip file, open it, and extract the folder in it to the root of your C drive. That was so easy and it definitely worked, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. Download and Install the application from the link below. :) I don't use the desktop anymore for app shortcuts. If you have updated Windows 10 since Oct 2020, there are no ways currently to remove shortcut arrows. Wouldn't have had a clue if not for you, If Microsoft didn't want people to be able to do these things, they wouldn't make registry so easily accessible. To do so right-click the Explorer key in the left pane, then select New > Key and name it Shell Icons. All three are included in the following ZIP file. Double click to bring up value data. Name the new folder as Shell Icons. This is where we need to create a new value that removes the shortcut arrow in Windows 10 and 11. I hope its not like death pixels ones you notice them its Impossible not to see them ;-) and they bug you to death! If you want to bringthe arrows back, just delete the 29 value you created. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Ultimate Windows Tweaker automatically creates a system restore point for you when it starts, but if youre concerned about a tweak go ahead and back up your computer first. Although I like to keep docs/images or things I'm working on on the desktop, so even I'm guilty of it too. How to Remove Shortcut Arrow Icon in Windows 10 & 11, Download registry file to remove arrow icon. Seems silly to me to install an app for something that takes < 5 minutes and for which you will likely never use again. As you type, you'll see search results populate. I hate how when I plug in a Bitlocker-protected external drive, the W10 notification category says "Calculator". If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 4. If you want a dumb-system all locked down, go to OSX. Nevertheless, you can still remove those arrows from desktop shortcut icons in Windows 11/10 with the two alternative methods below. Any idea what i can do. For more resources, don't forget to check our Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks page. It's like the registry has no limit to it's reach throughout the OS. So, right-click on the Explorer folder and select the New -> Key option. I have no problem with the arrow, but I dont like too many icons on my desktop. It worked for me. The black box is far worse than the shortcut arrow. Enjoy! Your license key has been corrupted'. That is it. Windows 11s default shortcut icon arrows arent especially visually appealing or important to keep. I mean after editing the registry setting will it create a problem such as i need to restore my pc,,Cuzz i installed windows 10 on my pc. This caused my destop icons to start showing up all black!!! It also happens to be free and its a portable tool, so theres nothing to install. And make win. #JustSaying, I got a big ugly black square now too. In the Value data box enter (or copy and paste): %windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-50 and hit OK when done. Control Panel (or Settings) -> type "icons desktop" in the search box -> click/tap Show or hide command icons on the desktop. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Click the Key option on the submenu. Join 425,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. I've never killed a PC that way, even when first starting out. No harm done though everything is perfect now. I removed all the icons on my desktop and put some of my favorite apps on the taskbar. Click the small right-pointing arrow icon next to "CurrentVersion." This is very helpful to restore the registry to the original state. It went blank after a day. This string effectively removes the Windows. Solution????? Clear instructions are presented in this article so I don't think the danger is that great, as long as you are able to follow instructions. That's a cool trick, although I'm not sure what the point of the desktop icons are when you can pin apps to start, taskbar, or search for them by name without having to minimize all your windows. To remove the shortcut arrow icon overlay, we need to edit the registry. Neither have arrows! You can also get more arrow overlays for shortcut icons from the IconArchive website. You can now either reboot the computer or log off and on back again to complete the changes. Create a live tile or just an icon? Click OK to bring up the Registry Editor. (1) Type in regedit into the Cortana/search box and (2) select regedit at the top, When prompted Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your PC? I'm with you here. because leaving it blank removes itcompletely, not justreplaces it witha transparecy icon that seems toget crappy black square after some time. Same thing happened to me. I've just used this method yesterday and it worked out fine. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Before editing the registry, make a registry backup. It seems like your suggestion doesn't works on Windows 10 (no mutter 32 or 64 bit). Completely Uninstall Riot Games (Vanguard and the Riot Games Client), How to Change the Screen Brightness in Windows 10: A Quick Guide, Turn Off Microsoft Defender in Windows 10: Temporarily or Permanently, How to Use Function Keys Without Pressing Fn on Windows 10, How to Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10: A Quick Guide, How to Eject the CD/DVD Tray on a Windows 10 PC, 2 Quick Ways to Log In as Administrator in Windows 10, https://windowsloop.com/remove-shortcut-arrow-on-shortcuts/, Remover as Flechinhas de Atalhos da rea de Trabalho. Make a tweak or two at a time andsee how they work, then come back for more. ya those little arrows are my main reason why i don't put any app on desktop i don't like them i keep everything in startscreen. I never cared about arrows, but I might do this :), I keep my desktop empty except recycle bin. To do this, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar Behaviors.". I get why it is there, at least for documents (you do not want to delete the original), but I think it makes less sense for apps. Visual C++ Runtime Installer (All-In-One), View Essential System Details with myResources, Control When Windows 10 Updates with Kill-Update, How to Fix There Was a Problem Resetting Your PC Error on Windows 10, How to Turn on or off Recommended Troubleshooting in Windows 10, How to Remove the Shortcut Arrow Icon in Windows 10 & 11, Remove the Shortcut Arrow Icon in Windows 10 & 11, How to Split Your Screen in Windows 10 & 11, How to Create a Show Desktop Shortcut in Windows 10 & 11, How to Turn the Windows 10 Desktop Background Image On or Off, How to Show Your Windows 10 & 11 Version and Build Number on the Desktop, How to Create Safe Mode Desktop Shortcuts. Just to update, the solution with the folder AVG only works if you have AVG on your computer. Read also: What Is the Windows Registry and How Do I Edit It? To remove BlackBox squares from icons. Oh, and restart for the change to take effect. Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. To do so, reopen the Registry Editor, right-click the 29 string for the Shell Icons key, and select the Delete option. We all have pet peeves. Windows 10 is just the most obvious version to demo on and for. If not, then create a new one by Right-click on the Explorer folder, click New and tap on Key. Extract the four files including Shortcut Arrow Icon - Remove.reg, Shortcut Arrow Icon - Restore.reg, and blank.ico. remove the shortcut arrow with a single click; set classic (XP-like) shortcut arrow with a single click; set ANY icon as the shortcut overlay; and of course, reset the shortcut arrow to its default icon. Just use this string for the value on the 29 key you created: Then, once again, close Registry Editor and restart your computer to see the changes. It's like spilling wine on a very nice collared shirt. In fact, rows of icons just reminds me of iPhones and iPads now. I did everything detailed in this post. Youll be prompted to Restart the Explorer. Open up regedit (1) Type in regedit into the Cortana/search box and (2) select regedit at the top 2. Having said that, yeah, on all types of these articles we should have a warning. Generally, the arrow icon overlay on a shortcut icon helps you differentiate between a file or application and a shortcut at a glance. Tap on New and select String Value and name this 29. 2. Not everyone wants to go through multiple steps of using a Registry Editor, this is another way you can remove the shortcut overlay. Just double-click the one you want to use, click through the prompts, and then restart your computer (or log off and back on). before making changes. The registry tree you provided it's true. Thanks. But now I have black squares hiding all shortcut icons altogether. So untidy :(. I wish I could keep my desktop clean. don't add \system32\shell32.dll,50. A hack implies that you broke some defence/barrier that was preventing you from doing something. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. I mean, the whole reason for the start menu to return is habit. Navigate Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer 3. Right-click the Shell Icons folder icon and choose New > String Value. You can show/hide the assorted system icons on the desktop from the Control Panel. Before we move ahead, its important to take a back-up of the registry. Hey Rubi Rubino. Use the method Daniel describes, not an old classic. 1. Now well change the value. Thanks!!! :-). Honestly, it's not any work either, I just put a lot of detail so no one makes a mistake ;). If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. I absolutely hate those pesky little arrows. I just did this on Windows server 2008 R2. After that, double-click on the extracted file. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. I have this problem too. This is awesome! A lot of effort is pulling a tree stump out of the ground without the use of any tools. ok, I agree it's nice to have the freedom to tweak the system as you desire, and I did a lot of it back in the 98/XP, but since the smartphone boom most new users are too "user" to do this safely. When you are . I still don't get why people put crap on the desktop. By having to change the registry just to make some cosmetic changes to the OS, I feel that Microsoft don't want people to be able to do that, even though they are not explicitly denying the possibility. This process could also be used to create a custom icon overlay graphic. This restores the arrow icon. 9. how to remove shortcut arrow from desktop iconssteps1-Open Start. thx, This stumped me for a while, go to step 4 and simply delete the 29 file leaving the default one. Now I have a black box in place of arrows. Back to arrows though, i'm gonna try a third party program like they mention at the beginning that way it's just an uninstall, i hope, job if theres a problem rather than wondering how to go back and fix what I didn't undersand in the first place as i just followed instructions lol. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Now ,perfect and clean my pc desktop. By using our site, you agree to our. This action does not necessarily involve security. Read also: How to Add Icons to the Desktop in Windows 11. . Now there's just the name and no icon on my desktop. And recently I got one amazing method that can change the arrows on the shortcut icon in the Windows 10. This is why the term 'FIRST WORLD PROBLEM' was created. The desktop is for housing running applications. He's also written hundreds of white papers, articles, user manuals, and courseware over the years. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Research says that the "fix" may not work in newer versions of Win10. 6. Someone who sees his desktop regularly and hates the little arrows would obviously be making a different calculation. Use ICO icon file to hide the Arrow; Remove the Arrow from Shortcuts using Registry Editor; Let's see the Topics in detail. So, to go back, I just need to delete that reg key? I have a desktop menu on the task bar. Restart your computer. However, this big box was removed with a small icon in Windows 11 to keep the interface clean. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. I have tried what you advise, however it just makes the wwhole icon disapear. I just never knew you could change something so miniscule as the arrow on an icon. There must be a way to achieve this within Windows without having to resort to using non-microsoft software. If you don't like using the registry just use, But then how do you know what's a shortcut and what isn't at a glance? When you select that option, the Icons folder shown directly below will open from which you can select different arrows for the icon. 80.86.180.77 Hi Daniel, Thanks for amazing tip it was working great but right after 8 hour now my shortcut icon are invisible. Aside from removing the arrow overlays, you can also change them to more appealing ones by selecting ShortcutArrow Changers Custom shortcut icon option. Thanks a million Daniel. remove desktop shortcut icons with arrows whenever l install a new application on the computer. You need to scale up or down the icons on the desktop with CTRL + mouse wheel up or down. Rare footage of Blazblue actually getting a shoutout =) You can also do it manually through the Task Manager. Running the hack adds the key to the Registry. So names on options may differ.. Step 6: Name the new value as "29". ;). Because in of itself the desktop is a top-level folder, The desk top to me is like my living room, where I keep my self entertained. Removing those little arrows requires a tweak to the Windows Registry, but there are a few different ways of going about it. Thank you. With the value entered in the step, there was a blank square in the lower left hand corner of the icons. Peace :). Now it looks like some robot took a square bite out of my icon :/ My icon sizes are larger if that makes any differences. Also since the days of Windows 95 there have been third-party apps to get rid of these arrows. I had to undo everything and cope with the tiny "arrows" for now. Name it 29. It might be slightly simpler to remove arrows from desktop shortcut icons with third-party customization software. I leave them the way they are. It is, therefore, NOT a hack. and is everything ok on your side? I think doing a system backup is more effort. Give it a name that suits you or add the current date and save. Have to admitlost a bit of respect for DRubino seeing him use desktop shortcuts for launching apps. Open the start menu, search for Registry Editor, and click the result to open the Registry Editor. Windows has always been about the freedom to mess with whatever your heart desires. The button will now be named Restore Shortcut Arrows To Shortcut Icons.. Some users might prefer to remove those arrows from desktop shortcut icons. File it for instance and skype right now. Definitely keeping this in mind just in case "We just do not install apps to the desktop, so I am unsure why I need to be reminded 'hey, this is a shortcut, not the real app'". I can totally see where you're coming from! Copy or move blank.ico to your C:\Windows folder. I restarted explorer.exe and computer to check and everything was alright zoom it and zoom out icons. However, creating a shortcut also creates an arrow overlay on the icon. There are a few easy ways to tackle this problem. Microsoft added a big search box in the task bar in Windows 10. omg thank you , really needed this . Step 2: Navigate to the following key in Windows Registry Editor. Visual C++ Redistributable Runtimes AIO Repack, 9. Then you can select to add your downloaded arrow to shortcut icons with ShortcutArrow Changer. Certainly one of my annoyances as well. Just createthe string valuename it 29 and leave the value datablank. If you dont like it, heres how to remove the shortcut arrow from shortcut icons in Windows 10 and 11. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 61,054 times. For Windows 7, youll need UWT 2.2. Mine said something about 'Access violation reading memory address 0xF433D785. They'd see that Google Chrome shortcut on your desktop and think they've uninstalled it by dragging it in the Recycle Bin (which is what everyone should do with their Chrome shortcuts). Please signup for the WindowsLoop newsletter by clicking the following link: WindowsLoop Newsletter Signup. The taskbar is always visible, the desktop isn't. Here is how. It no longer works after the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. Move everything to you documents folder and hide desktop icons. I'm asuuming that if I delete the Shell Icon file from registry the problem is gonna go away but the arrow will be back. In Two methods we can remove the Shortcut Arrow in Windows 10. That is it. We had no complaints, actually. It's great until I reboot and the place where the arrow used to be is just a black square. Scroll all the way down to Windows Explorer. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. And definitely back up the Registry(and your computer!) To open Run, press its designated Win + R keyboard shortcut. i did this. Nice article but step 8 is incorrect. I agree that the indication comes to rescue by differentiating it from the original file but aesthetics, as some would say, is also a real thing. Press Enter. So going back to the Windows 95 days, I've always used the method of renaming the 'IsShortcut' string value under HKCR\lnkfile. I always hated them, never thought there was something I could do about them. If anyone knows a fix to this or has another way I can get rid of this black box and the shortcut arrow please tell me because I'm at a loss. Created on August 25, 2016 Shortcut Arrows in the icons on Win 10 desktop Does anyone know how to make those annoying 'shortcut arrows' on icons on the Windows Desktop disappear? (Don't really need it on the desktop.) Yes, most apps won't appear on the desktop, but some of the smaller all-in-one apps like file archivers and tag editors can. Thanks a lot Dan for this great hack. You have a taskbar and a start menu. The desktop is where I open and used my apps not for pining icons. We select and review products independently. So?? Make sure you watch what you say. Even though the arrows are smaller than in some previous versions of Windows, they arent terribly attractive. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. It feels like storing stuff you use a lot under your bed instead of on your desk or shelf or cabinet. Windows 11/10 doesnt include any built-in option with which you can disable shortcut icon arrows. ;), If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?. Peace :), Aaaaaaaaand completely ignore that, won't let me delete the comment. [don't have W10 yet]. Double click on 29, make sure the value is empty (it should still be, even if you're having a bug), and hit 'Okay'. Techwiser (2012-2023). I always do that. Command Prompt looks more impressive without the stupid arrow haha. Tried this - on my machines the shortcuts disappeared - but were replaced by a square black box ! This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Define "a lot of effort". Next, select the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer within the Registry Editor's left navigation pane. Sometimes the icons display properly. . Wow, so easy to do, What other visual cue does it have to tell you it's a shortcut? The button will now be named "Restore Shortcut Arrows To Shortcut Icons." That's all it takes! Open Regedit Open Run Command by pressing Windows Key + R and Type regedit.exe. Download Remove the Shortcut Arrow Icon in Windows 10 & 11. This registry change caused a problem in that it turned all my desktop shortcut icons into little black squares. This works! He clearly says "make sure you have backed up your PC". Icons on the desktop are like putting your cloths in the living room. Follow the below steps, and you should be good.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'windowsloop_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',146,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-windowsloop_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Note: Both methods shown below will work in Windows 10 and 11. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Paste "%windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-50" in the Value Data field and click OK. but leave it blank. Now go ahead and log off your computer and log . It should be noted that those little arrows actually have a purpose; they differentiate shortcuts (which can safely be deleted) with the app itself (which will make you sad if deleted). I don't have anything on my desktop except the recycle bin. This literally takes a few minutes. This doesn't break anything. Double-click the new 29 value and type (or copy and paste) the following into the Value data box to remove arrows from shortcut icons: Click OK and exit Registry Editor. However, I think it behooves people to learn what they can do on their own. All you must do is make a few registry changes, and you are good to go. This is an irrational one to me. If you dont feel like diving into the Registry yourself, weve created some downloadable registry hacks you can use. So interestingly enough, i got this to work on my desktop, but my laptops icons have the black square issue. If you are stuck in the process and need any help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible. To do that, Tap on File and select Export. This easy step by step guide shows you how to get rid of them! No arrows that way :D, You can get rid of the Recycle Bin as well. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Step 4: Name the new subkey "Shell Icons". Removing the shortcut icon is something people like to have a cleaner Desktop, and it's easy to do. please send us a fix, Skip step 7. This is the Icon we will use to remove the shortcut arrow icon in Windows 10 and 11. Right-click Explorer on the left of the Registry Editor to select New . Saves the convienence of logging in and out or restarting your computer. Actually this didn't work CTRL+mouse wheel worked at first but after reboot the black squares returned and after doing the same, it just changed the size of the black squares. After creating the string value, double-click on it. And I'm happy, Cool! There are many ways and the easiest two ways are listed below. Vaibhav is a broadcast journalist with a keen interest in tech. yeah, I agree, although that just means that Microsoft should re-think about how they represent apps and deletion. In the registry editor, copy the below path, paste it in the address bar, and press Enter. Registry Editor takes you to the target folder immediately. To hide Skype from the TaskBar, you have to go under Tools->Settings->Advanced. U can delete the key to go back. You can leave the Shell Icons key in place. OP should revise his post so that people stop running into this problem. Use Winaero Tweaker instead if thats the case. Does anyone here know what happened or how to remove those annoying arrows NOW? Lol at chacka chacka. . All MS needs to do is allow pinning small livetiles (at the minimum) to the desktop and we can get rid off all of these hotchpotch, ancient app icons and shortcuts altogether.