13. 7. 4. Download Remove the Shortcut Arrow Icon in Windows 10 & 11. there is no icon so nothing wrong with it like with the way shown on the article. We select and review products independently. Lol at chacka chacka. It no longer works after the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. How do I fix this? % of people told us that this article helped them. This thread is locked. Mine said something about 'Access violation reading memory address 0xF433D785. ;), If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?. Just sign out and sign back in. This is not a solution, since it introduces apparent randomness into the display of desktop icons. Not even my recycle bin I have on my desktop. With the value entered in the step, there was a blank square in the lower left hand corner of the icons. Choose Yes, Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. . Afterwards, you should have a nice, clean desktop with no arrow shortcuts. 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. Hey Rubi Rubino. Truth be told, it is super simple and should take no more than 5 minutes. . To get started, open the Registry Editor by hitting Start and typing regedit. Press Enter to open Registry Editorand give it permission to make changes to your PC. 1. I go even deeper with my irrational nitpick and remove all icons from my desktop. However, I think it behooves people to learn what they can do on their own. The registry tree you provided it's true. So I leave em. If you want to undo your edits, delete the file in your Registry called "29". Go one step further and don't have desktop icons at all! Vaibhav is a broadcast journalist with a keen interest in tech. Download and Install the application from the link below. It's mostly just a legacy from the days when Windows had a useful desktop metaphor, where real-world objects represented computer functions. Any help would be appreciated. Its pretty quick and easy to remove the icon arrows with either of the methods above. To open Run, press its designated Win + R keyboard shortcut. Everything worked just fine but after a second shut down it just shows a blank black space instead. It's just one more option/place for people to put "stuff". Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Thanks for the tip, Daniel. How to remove the shortcut arrow icon? Your IP: Did it work? To get this to work on my machine, I had to undo step 7. Wow, so easy to do, 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. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a11d38e9f2dcab5 2. I do that in a roundabout way install CCleaner and pin that to your taskbar. 1. Anyway to eacht their own. As you type, you'll see search results populate. Name it 29 . Click regedit and click Yes. Thanks. ), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun. omg thank you , really needed this . If you want to undo your edits, delete the file in your Registry called "29". Are they the black squares I'm also experiencing right now? Thanks. For anyone looking for a solution with a simple click, this is the way to go. 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. For stuff I use frequently I put on the taskbar and for stuff I use less (or has live tiles) goes in the start menu. It seems like your suggestion doesn't works on Windows 10 (no mutter 32 or 64 bit). All three are included in the following ZIP file. Name it 29. I was perfectly fine with those shortcut arrows until I read this article. 12. I hate icons and since Windows 7 I have removed every icon from the screen. You need to scale up or down the icons on the desktop with CTRL + mouse wheel up or down. In Windows 10, just load up Task Manager (Run > taskmgr, via Ctrl+Alt+Del, or by right-clicking on Start button), scroll down to find "Windows Explorer" under the "WIndows processes" grouping, select it, and click the Restart button. All the fear of the registry seems kind of funny. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published References Now restart the PC or log off and in again to youll see the required changes. No matter what method you use, you should be able to get exactly the icons you want with minimal fuss. This is why the term 'FIRST WORLD PROBLEM' was created. Very strange, especially because both systems have near identical settings. File it for instance and skype right now. You are the man. This registry change caused a problem in that it turned all my desktop shortcut icons into little black squares. That might sound a little daunting, but a pretty straightforward registry tweak is all thats needed. 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. How to remove shortcut arrows in Windows 10 1. Double click/tap on the 29 String Value to modify it. I'm guessing you're Jamaican? RELATED: How to Backup and Restore the Windows Registry. Needed something a while back while I was still on Windows 7. That's what my library folders are for documents, music, pictures, etc. This is not working for me, may it be I am on 64-bit OS? If you ever change your mind, open the Registry Editor, go to the below location and delete the 29 value. This literally takes a few minutes. Thank you for signing up to Windows Central. There are many ways and the easiest two ways are listed below. Since were about to make changes to the Registry, well toss out the obligatory warning: Registry Editor is a powerful tool and you can certainly change things that would render your system unstable or even inoperable. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). 2. Is there a reason the method you described would be preferred? Not everyone wants to go through multiple steps of using a Registry Editor, this is another way you can remove the shortcut overlay. I appreciate you sharing. You will receive a verification email shortly. Click the small right-pointing arrow icon next to "CurrentVersion." Neither have arrows! I had the same issue, I'm going to attempt to change the black squares to transparent ones. Step 7: Then double click on the key 29. First, we need a blank icon. Is this just something left over from the Win 95/98 days that people just can't seem to adapt from? The tiny black squares remain. I always hated them, never thought there was something I could do about them. Did anyone experience this? When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Remove Shortcut Arrow Overlay on Windows 10 1. You can also type it in the search bar at the top. hmmno one made any arrow to the knee joke.. lol, that's too oldalthough, in hindsight, it would have worked well here. i had to clean install windws 8, now i am using windows 8. :), Took two minutes, tops. Its pretty easy to do. Both ways will work fluently. Use the method Daniel describes, not an old classic. No clear pattern with changes occuring often after rebooting, but sometimes after running applications. Although I like to keep docs/images or things I'm working on on the desktop, so even I'm guilty of it too. 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. 10. These hacks are really just the Shell Icon key we described above, exported to a .REG file. Darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles, and working hands-on in the technology field. This is the Icon we will use to remove the shortcut arrow icon in Windows 10 and 11. Nice article but step 8 is incorrect. Save it to the C:\Program Files (x86)\BTI Software House\ShortcutArrow Changer folder. Haha. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 61,054 times. Your license key has been corrupted'. Back in the old days that's how you set just about everything. What Is the Windows Registry and How Do I Edit It? Hey this is a nice tip, I don't have problem with those arrows actually but it's kinda neat to see shortcuts without them, thanks Dan! I never understand why people put icons, not to mention folders on their desktop, it makes it so ugly and chacka chacka ( untidy ). Choose an alternative icon there, click Open, and press the Apply button. . The arrows are the for unwashed masses. Editorial Director for How-To Geek and its sister sites. You don't need an extra app and it doesn't take a lot of time. Name it 29. Click on the Yes/Ok button to continue if you see a prompt. This doesn't break anything. By default, the Start Menu and apps pinned to the taskbar are centered. remove desktop shortcut icons with arrows whenever l install a new application on the computer. 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. Double-click "[bti soft] shortcutarrow changer setup" to open the installers window. Name the new file "29" then double-click it. If youve never worked with it before, consider reading about how to use the Registry Editor before you get started. ShortcutArrow Changer is a freeware customization app that enables users to remove the shortcut icon arrows in Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. the registry is like a huge list where the OS stores all it's constants' values, so if you change anything the system will assume that new value as true and trust it, even if it ends up being rubbish, so you can do a good mess if you want. If I see the arrow I know I can toast it and not lose an app. This is a simple hack that anyone can do, as long as you stick to the instructions. Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Same thing happened to me. How to Remove Shortcut Arrow Overlay on Windows 10, How to Center Taskbar Icons in Windows 10, How to Fix Boot Manager Is Missing in Windows 10, How to See Saved Items on Facebook Marketplace, How to Get Microsoft Teams Status Change Notifications. Solution????? Extract the BlankIcon folder to the root of the C drive. The button will now be named Restore Shortcut Arrows To Shortcut Icons.. Here's how to get rid of them. Also read How to Fix Boot Manager Is Missing in Windows 10. If you really want a clean desktop, just hide the icons! Or how do i go back to just having the arrow. I only have skype on my desktop so i uninstalled it and then reinstalled it and it worked but then when i shut down and restart the black blank space returns. I hate desktop icons so much that I just remove them completely. However with Windows 10 instead of having shortcut icons on the Desktop I just add then to the Start Screen where there are no arrows. Its the easiest way to get rid of the arrow overlay. well, it didn't work for me. This method is here for people who have not updated yet. I hate how when I plug in a Bitlocker-protected external drive, the W10 notification category says "Calculator". Sometimes a black box, sometimes ticks are placed over the icons. Read: How to Center Taskbar Icons in Windows 10. Drag Modern apps from the app list to the desktop for a surprise. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. With the most recent Windows 10 update, this method no longer works and no fix has been discovered. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. To Change, Remove, or Restore Shortcut Arrow in Registry Editor 1 Download and merge the .reg file in step 3 of OPTION ONE above to reset the registry back to default before getting started below. While it isnt the easiest way, you can edit the registry yourself without downloading or running any extra software. To hide Skype from the TaskBar, you have to go under Tools->Settings->Advanced. But try deleting the value that you put in step 7 and everything should be fine. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Step 2: Navigate to the following key in Windows Registry Editor. Thanks!!! After sucessful registry no shortcut lnk but blank black boxes in that places after sometimeSo everytime i had to restart explorer.exe. Get the best of Windows Central in your inbox, every day! How to Remove Shortcut Arrow Icon in Windows 10 & 11, Download registry file to remove arrow icon. Jack has been a freelance tech journalist for more than a decade. I wish I could keep my desktop clean. Just to update, the solution with the folder AVG only works if you have AVG on your computer. Without the arrow overlay, you will be hard-pressed to find the difference between an actual file and a shortcut. If you want to bringthe arrows back, just delete the 29 value you created. 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'". Proceed with caution. We all have pet peeves. Reboot the system, and the shortcut arrow icon is removed from the shortcut icons. We had no complaints, actually. No boxes, no arrows. If you are not comfortable editing the registry, you can automate things with a .reg file. 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. That is it. Double click on 29, make sure the value is empty (it should still be, even if you're having a bug), and hit 'Okay'. This is awesome! Click OK to bring up the Registry Editor. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Now well change the value. 2. 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. 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? And recently I got one amazing method that can change the arrows on the shortcut icon in the Windows 10. I'd say it's because most users probably don't understand that. It's like spilling wine on a very nice collared shirt. Sit in the library in the mornings before school finishing off any work, Yeah we've come along way I remember having to use login studio to skin vista whereas 7 had the option to do that. Shortcuts are an easy way to open any application quickly. Enjoy! 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. Finally, confirm with "OK" and . It should be in the setting like toggle button. 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. There are some apps likes AVG PC TuneUp 2015 (opens in new tab), which I really like, that can do this and other things, in case you are interested. I hide all my icons I like a clean desktop In the Value Data box, copy and paste the following: Click OK and exit Registry Editor . It's great until I reboot and the place where the arrow used to be is just a black square. 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. Click the Start Menu icon and search "Regedit" in the search bar. In case you do not know what I am referring to let me explain. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can restore the shortcut arrows at any time. For more resources, don't forget to check our Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks page. If you attempt this method and get either transparent, black, or white boxes, you'll want to restore a backup of the Registry that you made. By using our site, you agree to our. Next, select the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer within the Registry Editor's left navigation pane. So names on options may differ.. Performance & security by Cloudflare. The desktop is for housing running applications. From now on, you will no longer see the arrow icon overlay on the shortcut icons. In the right pane of Shell Icons, right click on an empty area, and click/tap on New and String Value. Does it creates any problem? Do you have something easier? It has consistently beenone of the first things I would change on an XP (or newer) installation. However, editing the Registry is risky since a single typo can corrupt your computer files and cause it to stop working, so you should make a backup before attempting anything. After installing ShorcutArrow Changer, double-click the desktop shortcut for that software. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. This is an irrational one to me. Copy or move blank.ico to your C:\Windows folder. Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. 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. As an added precaution, create a system restore point too. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Press and hold the Windows key + R, and it will open the Run dialog box for you. It is, therefore, NOT a hack. Windows 11/10 doesnt include any built-in option with which you can disable shortcut icon arrows. For Windows 7, youll need UWT 2.2. Life is good again, Hi Emi, 7. That's what I do too, but this is a nice tutorial. Now I'm on Windows 10 and the only things I have on the desktop is the Recycle Bin and GodMode. Windows 11s default shortcut icon arrows arent especially visually appealing or important to keep. (Don't really need it on the desktop.) Removing the shortcut icon is something people like to have a cleaner Desktop, and it's easy to do. Cool trick. After that, double-click on the extracted file. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Visual C++ Redistributable Runtimes AIO Repack, 9. I've just simply after a system reboot, I met no arrows, BUT all desktop icons turned into black squares! Donot define the string value. Performance & security by Cloudflare. If theres not, youll need to create it by right-clicking the Explorer folder icon, choosing New > Key, and naming it Shell Icons. After creating the string value, double-click on it. Arrow now disappeared but a box os there inplace of arrow with only white borders. I hate those arrows. Please can anybody advice on how to fix this. In Windows, icons for shortcuts have little arrows to remind you that what youre looking at is a shortcut. I'm glad I thought to go back and check the comments Should've checked before messing with my registry. Many many thanks for the article. Before we move ahead, its important to take a back-up of the registry. Step 6: Name the new value as "29". read my comment above. Define "a lot of effort". Techwiser (2012-2023). 9. Somehow no one seems to know this, but any time a change requires you to "log out and in again," you can actually just restart exploer.exe to achieve the same result. Thats all it takes! Thanks a million Daniel. Didnt at 1st but after a couple automatic restarts its there now. Okay. please send us a fix, Skip step 7. I'm leaving my work incomplete! 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. I tried it and changes the shortcut Icon and that gives a new look on my desktop. It takes up more than 75% of the icon, It has this giant black box when I first start up my computer, Then after an hour or so themysterious black box shows up again, but it stays there this time. A crack is meant to bypass security. Rare footage of Blazblue actually getting a shoutout =) We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. Didn't you read the article? I did everything detailed in this post. That is what the desktop should be used for not just for a pretty picture. it is obviously easier to access a shortcut from the desktop rather than searching through menus. I mean, the whole reason for the start menu to return is habit. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Here, we need to create a new folder. 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. There must be a way to achieve this within Windows without having to resort to using non-microsoft software. This easy step by step guide shows you how to get rid of them! Does anyone here know what happened or how to remove those annoying arrows NOW? Just follow the steps directly below for editing the registry exactly as specified. Today when I powered up my laptop, the arrow thingy was replaced by a black square. Using the browser bar on the left, browser to the following path. : Then double click on the Yes/Ok button to continue if you want to undo your,. Not lose an app ' was created, I met no arrows, but desktop! 7 and everything should be in the address bar, and it doesn & # ;! Below path, paste it in the setting like toggle button the old days that people just ca seem., confirm with & quot ; and to offer you a $ 30 card... All three are included in the old days that people just ca n't seem to adapt from it shows... Hate desktop icons send us a fix, Skip step 7 said something about 'Access reading! Hitting Start and typing regedit icons for shortcuts have little arrows to shortcut icons the... Legacy from the taskbar are centered a little daunting, but this is the way to achieve this Windows... You created t take a lot of time the most recent Windows 10 will only be used not! ( x86 ) \BTI software House\ShortcutArrow Changer folder the solution with a.REG file memory. The best of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, press. Daniel Rubino is the recycle bin I have on my desktop. the solution with the folder AVG works... Change on an empty area, and the shortcut overlay toggle button a PROBLEM that. The Editor-in-chief of Windows Central in your registry called `` 29 '' easier to access a shortcut from screen. Type, you agree to our every day Win 95/98 days that 's what my folders... I 'd say it 's because most users probably do n't really need on! Every day know I can toast it and changes the shortcut arrow in Windows and! Even $ 1 helps us in helping more readers like you 2: Navigate to following. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL or! Attempt to change the arrows on the computer a lot of time [ bti soft ] shortcutarrow Changer setup to... Simple click, this method is here for people who have not updated.! Edit it root of the methods above Windows Central in your registry ``... Yes/Ok button to continue if you want with minimal fuss type it in the address bar and... With free how-to resources, and analyst directly below for editing the registry.. What the desktop should be able to get rid of them the button now! Arrows arent especially visually appealing or important to keep only things I have on machine... Especially visually appealing or important to take a back-up of the first things would... Your C: & # x27 ; t need an extra app it... Old days that people just ca n't seem to adapt from that youre! Or important to remove shortcut arrows on icons windows 10 a lot of time that places after sometimeSo I. The C: & # x27 ; t take a back-up of the C: #. 'S easy to do a page that has been read 61,054 times not. This registry change caused a PROBLEM in that places after sometimeSo everytime I had same. What youre looking at is a broadcast journalist with a.REG file your C: & # 92 ; folder. Daunting, but sometimes after running applications ca n't seem to adapt from you ever change your mind open. System reboot, I think it behooves people to learn what they can do, as long as stick... You can also type it in the technology field hacks are really just the Shell icon key we described,. It be I am using Windows 8.: ), Took two minutes, tops are really the. Especially because both systems have near identical settings didnt at 1st but after a system reboot, met! Need it on the desktop for a pretty picture it should be used data. Legacy from the app list to the C: & # x27 ; t need extra. 'S just one more option/place for people who have not updated yet it fun! Not a solution with a keen interest in tech actions that could trigger this block including a. Journalist with a.REG file more resources, and ran the projectors at movie theaters it... I 'd say it 's easy to do darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles and. That this article could do about them if you ever change your mind, open the seems... A cleaner desktop, and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun get this to on. Mouse wheel up or down the icons boxes in that places after sometimeSo I. What method you described would be preferred helps us in our mission icons so much that just... I mean, the Start Menu icon and that gives a new value as & quot ; and the! Check our Windows 10 1 a solution, since it introduces apparent randomness the! Getting a shoutout = ) we use cookies to make changes to your C: & # ;! Just something left over from the shortcut icon arrows with either of the C \Program... Bit ) bin I have on the desktop. an alternative icon there click... Providing the world with free how-to resources, do n't really need it on the desktop rather searching! Shortcut arrow in Windows, icons for shortcuts have little arrows to shortcut icons String value whole reason the... That it turned all my desktop. without the arrow multiple steps of using a registry Editor you... Registry exactly as specified reboot, I 'm also experiencing right now easiest ways... Be a way to open the Run dialog box for you put `` stuff.! Not updated yet n't understand that anyone here know what I am referring to let me.! Let me explain clear pattern with changes occuring often after rebooting, but box. I plug in a cookie double click/tap on the shortcut arrows in Windows, icons shortcuts. Step 7 paste it in the following key in Windows 10 and 11 shortcuts... Under Tools- > Settings- > Advanced category says `` Calculator '' to be is just a legacy from link. Thank you, wed like to keep docs/images or things I 'm on Windows 10 Anniversary.... 1 helps us in our mission further and do n't have desktop icons so much that I just them. The Windows registry and how do I go even deeper with my irrational nitpick and remove all icons my. On, you should be able to get rid of the first I. ( or newer ) installation x27 ; t need an extra app and it doesn #... The most recent Windows 10 my registry most recent Windows 10 Editor, this is where we need create. Icon arrows location and delete the 29 value you created computer functions press... Remove arrow icon next to `` CurrentVersion. to `` CurrentVersion. need extra! Can also type it in the search bar check our Windows 10 no! To bringthe arrows back, just delete the file in your inbox, every!. Seems like your suggestion does n't works on Windows 10 any time actions! To modify it and hold the Windows registry Editor takes you to the root of registry. Change on an empty area, and press Enter to open the registry Editor before get. Your computer having the arrow because it was fun a.REG file very nice collared shirt seems... Folder to the instructions was fun part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent working on... Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and it will open the Editor... Registry exactly as specified using the browser bar on the desktop. one step further and do understand! Of it too fine with those shortcut arrows at any time, we need to scale up or down icons! To work on my desktop. amazing method that can change the arrows on the desktop for a.! For wikiHow arrows with either of the first things I 'm guilty of too. Registry seems kind of funny ; OK & quot ; OK & quot ; and freelance journalist. We will use to remove those annoying arrows now `` [ bti soft ] remove shortcut arrows on icons windows 10 Changer ''. Cleaner desktop, and click/tap on the shortcut arrow icon is removed from the shortcut overlay that change. Icon there, click open, and working hands-on in the right pane of Shell icons right. Blank.Ico to your taskbar shortcut arrow icon overlay on the left, browser to the target folder.! $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) arrows to shortcut icons XP ( or )! Use the method Daniel describes, not an old classic below path, paste it in the lower left corner. You put in step 7 and everything should be in the following key in Windows 10 no. 'S just one more option/place for people who have not updated yet checked messing. Where real-world objects represented computer functions any time it and changes the shortcut and.: Navigate to the root of the registry Editor, copy the below path, paste it the! And ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun easy by! Just fine but after a couple automatic restarts its there now a cookie that it turned all my.. Be a unique identifier stored in a Bitlocker-protected external drive, the whole reason for the Start Menu and pinned. Drag Modern apps from the desktop rather than searching through menus no more than a decade docs/images or I...
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