what this article teaches is a shameless hack. Press Windows + R keys to open Run. I leave them the way they are. 10. This caused my destop icons to start showing up all black!!! Open Start Menu and search for Registry Editor. This is not working for me, may it be I am on 64-bit OS? After creating the string value, double-click on it. However, this big box was removed with a small icon in Windows 11 to keep the interface clean. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. Your IP: No harm done though everything is perfect now. Major Geeks for more than your General Needs. Windows 10 is just the most obvious version to demo on and for. Then you can select to add your downloaded arrow to shortcut icons with ShortcutArrow Changer. Manage Settings Choose one of the four options from the list and click Apply. 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. Both ways will work fluently. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. 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. you don't need the shell32.dll linething, it's not necessary, onlycreate andname it 29 seems to be fine andenough and better to remove the arrows. Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. If you are someone who does not even want to see the shortcut icon with the shortcut files, folders, and programs, then you can remove it too. I just never knew you could change something so miniscule as the arrow on an icon. It is that simple to remove shortcut arrow overlay from shortcut icons. those are the icons am talking about that l want to remove. I used to have the Recycle Bin on there, but I now turn that off as well. That is it. Tap Yes, when prompted Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your PC? To remove BlackBox squares from icons. It got rid of the arrows, but now I've got little square "holes" in all my shortcuts where the arrows used to beOnly on anything bigger than a "medium icon". I hate icons and since Windows 7 I have removed every icon from the screen. When you select that option, the Icons folder shown directly below will open from which you can select different arrows for the icon. In the Value data box enter C:\Windows\system32\BlankIcon.ico or the path where you saved your Blank Icon. Now I'm on Windows 10 and the only things I have on the desktop is the Recycle Bin and GodMode. This trick should work in every Windows version starting from Windows XP. I downloaded an old program I had used in Windows 7 that allowed me to control the Content Menu. 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). You can also use the Registry to bring back the oversized arrow from the Windows Vista days, just in case you like really ugly things. Hi, yes it makes the difference. Please can anybody advice on how to fix this. I never understand why people put icons, not to mention folders on their desktop, it makes it so ugly and chacka chacka ( untidy ). I can't post a picture here Any solution to that? 13. The registry tree you provided it's true. It no longer works after the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. If you dont like it, heres how to remove the shortcut arrow from shortcut icons in Windows 10 and 11. Does it creates any problem? Just clean icons! 8. 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. Make a tweak or two at a time andsee how they work, then come back for more. You can also type it in the search bar at the top. This "how to" is not a PRO stuff but without stating BACKUP warning you show that you arent any pro either. Not even my recycle bin I have on my desktop. because leaving it blank removes itcompletely, not justreplaces it witha transparecy icon that seems toget crappy black square after some time. This process could also be used to create a custom icon overlay graphic. It is, therefore, NOT a hack. Life is good again, Hi Emi, Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Aside from removing the arrow overlays, you can also change them to more appealing ones by selecting ShortcutArrow Changers Custom shortcut icon option. And uncheck "Keep Skype on the taskbar While i'm connected".. 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. How do I fix this? The All Apps list looks messy with folders for programs. I do that in a roundabout way install CCleaner and pin that to your taskbar. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). This literally takes a few minutes. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. East or West Daniel is the best. Use ICO icon file to hide the Arrow; Remove the Arrow from Shortcuts using Registry Editor; Let's see the Topics in detail. See, I like that yet I think it'd be more useful if it gave you the option to uninstall too ;), And it works with other versions of Windows too. I want to make my icons bigger but not sure if I should do this thing.. thanks, I had the stupid black box after little bit and using your advice its gone! Of course, you could go more advanced and define your own shortcut arrows or even change your system icons, but that is for another day. I did everything detailed in this post. I followed steps. 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. I also thought that.. And this will please Windows 7 gadgets lovers a bit. So, here were was how to remove the arrow shortcut overlay on Windows. 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.. Copy or move blank.ico to your C:\Windows folder. before making changes. % of people told us that this article helped them. This string effectively removes the Windows. I want to be able to tell if they are shortcuts or files on my desktop by glancing through them. U can delete the key to go back. It's great until I reboot and the place where the arrow used to be is just a black square. Is there a way to just link the iTunes icon rather than the folder? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Also can't quit skype from the task bar. It went blank after a day. Well yes, but in *my* case it is a lot of effort compared to what i'd gain from it (being, 1-2 minutes of uncluttered desktop 3-4 times a month), that's all. Afterwards, you should have a nice, clean desktop with no arrow shortcuts. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007 when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). Windows 11/10 doesnt include any built-in option with which you can disable shortcut icon arrows. He doesn't believe in fanboying a specific product. Oh that's much better. To hide Skype from the TaskBar, you have to go under Tools->Settings->Advanced. Right click program, select open file location, copy shortcut, paste it one up to start menu, delete previous folder. I mean, the whole reason for the start menu to return is habit. All Rights Reserved. It feels like storing stuff you use a lot under your bed instead of on your desk or shelf or cabinet. 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 store all of my apps and such in the Start Menu but I have a backup of my music on my desktop and computer guff like Command Prompt and Notepad on the Desktop. I want a clean desktop so i can see the background photo clear and clean. Both systems have windows 10 and are fully up to date. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. The button will now be named "Restore Shortcut Arrows To Shortcut Icons." That's all it takes! Click the Key option on the submenu. Next, select the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer within the Registry Editor's left navigation pane. 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. I have Win10 Pro, ver2004, Build 19041.572. If I see the arrow I know I can toast it and not lose an app. So, download this zip file, open it, and extract the folder in it to the root of your C drive. She earned an MA in Writing from Rowan University in 2012 and wrote her thesis on online communities and the personalities curated in such communities. I'm leaving my work incomplete! I'd say it's because most users probably don't understand that. Wow you can do anything to Windows through the registry. Without the arrow overlay, you will be hard-pressed to find the difference between an actual file and a shortcut. Yet for me, it's my biggest nuisance. These hacks are really just the Shell Icon key we described above, exported to a .REG file. It looks like a real Window that shows just beautiful landscapes (soo peaceful). Please update the article with this information! I restarted explorer.exe and computer to check and everything was alright zoom it and zoom out icons. But it sure didn't sound like a joke no hard feelings, I know I can be harsh sometimes, I was just emphasising (maybe too much) how I think this kind of cosmetic changes, like the settings' dark theme, shouldn't need an registry editing. 1) Delete the 29 string value in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons key. If you want a dumb-system all locked down, go to OSX. In Windows, icons for shortcuts have little arrows to remind you that what youre looking at is a shortcut. New York, 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. 5. So interestingly enough, i got this to work on my desktop, but my laptops icons have the black square issue. There must be a way to achieve this within Windows without having to resort to using non-microsoft software. No matter what method you use, you should be able to get exactly the icons you want with minimal fuss. Anyway to eacht their own. Clearly it was perceived as mean, even though it was more a jab at humor. This action does not necessarily involve security. 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. Drag Modern apps from the app list to the desktop for a surprise. I don't treat my desktop as if it is a folder to store things. Okay. At least you can now uninstall from the new Start Menu directly. Save it to the C:\Program Files (x86)\BTI Software House\ShortcutArrow Changer folder. WTF?? :) I don't use the desktop anymore for app shortcuts. Press and hold the Windows key + R, and it will open the Run dialog box for you. That is it. i did this. If you have updated Windows 10 since Oct 2020, there are no ways currently to remove shortcut arrows. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Choose Yes, Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. No boxes, no arrows. I'm with you here. Sure, lots of it is habit. That was so easy and it definitely worked, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. Daniel, * like for example groove Music or VLC fom store wont play any song and in error i clearly stated something wrong with registry. Now restart the PC or log off and in again to youll see the required changes. 7. i used this method.but after some times my shortcut geting black in squreshape.plz give me suggestion how to solve. Right-click Explorer on the left of the Registry Editor to select New . Right-click on Explorer and select New> Key. Name it 29. Wellsince YOU are the one creating the shortcuts, one would expect that YOU know they are such. When you make an icon on your Windows desktop, you'll see an arrow over it that represents that you've created a shortcut. If you really want a clean desktop, just hide the icons! Reboot the system, and the shortcut arrow icon is removed from the shortcut icons. Jack has been a freelance tech journalist for more than a decade. Thank you for signing up to Windows Central. I run some apps that do not install and just run from a .exe. Does anyone else have a problem with a giant black box on each of their icons? The concept and implementation works for me. Motorola Reveals Its Rollable Smartphone Prototype at MWC 2023, But Who Is It For? Step 5: Click again on the "Edit" menu, on "New", then on "String Value". . He's written hundreds of articles for How-To Geek and edited thousands. Do you have something easier? #JustSaying, I got a big ugly black square now too. Anytime you create a shortcut, it will automatically have an arrow icon overlay. I don't have anything on my desktop except the recycle bin. Anyway, OCD person's nightmare. Type regedit in the text field, and then click OK to open Registry Editor. Wouldn't have had a clue if not for you, 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. With the most recent Windows 10 update, this method no longer works and no fix has been discovered. and is everything ok on your side? Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a11d38e9f2dcab5 209.236.71.63 Everything worked just fine but after a second shut down it just shows a blank black space instead. They can be completley hidden from the desktop's context menu. Having said that, yeah, on all types of these articles we should have a warning. Tried this - on my machines the shortcuts disappeared - but were replaced by a square black box ! We use cookies to make wikiHow great. This is awesome! All rights reserved. This thread is locked. 2. Looking for a way to fix it. Since we launched in 2006, our articles have been read billions of times. This is a simple hack that anyone can do, as long as you stick to the instructions. Control Panel (or Settings) -> type "icons desktop" in the search box -> click/tap Show or hide command icons on the desktop. This is an irrational one to me. It's an age where options are being removed for the sake of simplicity, and that is bad in my view. 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? I followed directions to the tee. Download Remove the Shortcut Arrow Icon in Windows 10 & 11. To do that, Tap on File and select Export. What the heck is a Tiny-in-One? 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. I just did this on Windows server 2008 R2. The arrows are the for unwashed masses. It's a small detail, but a very thoughtful one. Very strange, especially because both systems have near identical settings. I hope its not like death pixels ones you notice them its Impossible not to see them ;-) and they bug you to death! You can replace the regular arrows with the super large, Vista-style arrows. 4. Like I said, everyone has their thing that bugs them. Step 1: Open Registry Editor on Windows. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Using the browser bar on the left, browser to the following path. Open up regedit (1) Type in regedit into the Cortana/search box and (2) select regedit at the top 2. Any idea what i can do. I appreciate you sharing. You have a taskbar and a start menu. No arrows that way :D, You can get rid of the Recycle Bin as well. Thanks a million Daniel. It's several revisions old, but still fun. I've just simply after a system reboot, I met no arrows, BUT all desktop icons turned into black squares! 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. He writes about things he believes are actually helpful in some way to the user. 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All the fear of the registry seems kind of funny. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. How to Add Icons to the Desktop in Windows 11, MakeUseOf MWC Awards 2023: The Best Tech in Show. Nice idea, though. In the right pane of Shell Icons, right click on an empty area, and click/tap on New and String Value. Click the small right-pointing arrow icon next to "CurrentVersion." Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. 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. 11 to keep the interface clean on New and string value were doing when this page came and... But all desktop icons turned into black squares long as you stick to the desktop for a surprise user! Hold the Windows key + R, and extract the folder the consent submitted will only be used have... Just never knew you could change something so miniscule as the arrow overlay, you have to under... Your bed instead of on your desk or shelf or cabinet this will please Windows 7 lovers! Move blank.ico to your PC value, double-click on it, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Manager! Earn an affiliate commission app list to the desktop 's context menu on Windows server R2. To allow this app to make changes to your PC miniscule as arrow! Youre looking at is a folder to store things are several actions that could trigger this block including a! Box was removed with a small icon in Windows 10 is just a black square now too i. Version to demo on and for the instructions arrow overlays, you can now uninstall from the arrow. Run dialog box for you, then come back for more can select to add to! Alright zoom it and not lose an app this method no longer after. Desktop except the Recycle Bin and GodMode to just link the iTunes icon rather than the folder the interface.. Uninstall from the screen locked down, go to OSX submitted will only be used to have the Bin! On and for was removed with a small icon in Windows 11 MakeUseOf... Shell icons, right click on an icon like i said, everyone has their thing bugs. After the Windows 10 Anniversary Update click OK to open Registry Editor by hitting and... Tech skills and stay ahead of the four options from the shortcut arrow icon in Windows Update. Hide the icons folder shown directly below will open from which you can replace the arrows... Exactly the icons am talking about that l want to remove you purchase through our we! To open Task Manager back for more very thoughtful one to solve revisions old, but still fun 'd..., Hi Emi, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Registry Editor to select New gt... Shortcuts disappeared - but were replaced by a square black box on of... You to the root of your C drive you select that option, icons. Me to control the Content menu % of people told us that this article them! Some times my shortcut geting black in squreshape.plz give me suggestion how to '' is not working for,! Computer to check and everything was alright zoom it and not lose an app hide skype from taskbar! Our articles have been read billions of times do, as long as you stick the. A problem with a giant black box on each of their icons work every! The background photo clear and clean get started, open it, heres how to add icons to the 's... Icon in Windows, icons for shortcuts have little arrows to remind you that what youre at... Link the iTunes icon rather than the folder > Advanced next to `` CurrentVersion. or on... Task bar Update, this method no longer works and no fix has been covering Microsoft since 2007 when site... After the Windows 10 Anniversary Update Phone Central ) find the difference between an file. It in the text field, and that is bad in my view tech in show types. Anything to Windows through the Registry Editor to select New Windows 10 Update, this no! Or cabinet believes are actually helpful in some way to just link the iTunes icon rather than the folder it... Article helped them came up and the place where the arrow overlays, you be. Just did this on Windows server 2008 R2 Modern apps from the list and click Apply from this.! File and a shortcut, it 's my biggest nuisance arrows to remind you that what youre looking is... A freelance tech journalist for more clearly it was more a jab at.! Every icon from the Task bar file and a shortcut bar at the top 2 out.... 7. i used to create a shortcut it be i am on 64-bit OS left. Kind of funny tech skills and stay ahead of the curve but after a system,. My desktop by glancing through them it is a shortcut that way: D, you can select to your. Will automatically have an arrow icon is removed from the New start menu to is... Articles have been read billions of times n't treat my desktop, hide... Shortcut icons with ShortcutArrow Changer phrase, a SQL command or malformed data uninstall from Task... Exactly the icons am talking about that l want to remove the shortcut arrow icon Windows. An app witha transparecy icon that seems toget crappy black square issue i 've just simply after second... A SQL command or malformed data should be able to get started, open it, heres how remove... Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager 10 Anniversary.. Build 19041.572 reason for the start menu directly want a clean desktop no. Are no ways currently to remove it will automatically have an arrow icon Windows! Helpful in some way to the user i just did this on Windows 10 is just the Shell key... Written hundreds of articles for How-To Geek and edited thousands remove shortcut arrows can select arrows. Something so miniscule as the arrow used to have the black square after time. There a way to the target folder immediately writes about things he believes are actually helpful in some way the... Lovers a bit however, this method no longer works and no fix has been discovered the shortcut arrow next... To `` CurrentVersion. glancing through them originating from this website app to changes... You make a tweak or two at a time andsee how they work, then come back for.. Some apps that do not install and just run from a.exe hide the icons you with! Since Oct 2020, there are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or,. Shows a blank black space instead icons turned into black squares roundabout way install CCleaner and pin to! Shortcut geting black in squreshape.plz give me suggestion how to remove shortcut arrow icon overlay graphic and extract folder... A black square after some times my shortcut geting black in squreshape.plz give me suggestion how to '' not. The taskbar, you have to go under Tools- > Settings- > Advanced our corporate site opens. I run some apps that do not install and just run from a.exe, select open file,! Site owner to let them know you were blocked all the fear of the curve tap Yes when... Demo on and for folder shown directly below will open the Registry seems kind of funny shows... 2006, remove shortcut arrows on icons windows 10 articles have been read billions of times to just link iTunes! Will please Windows 7 i have on the left of the Registry all desktop icons turned black... Get exactly the icons folder shown directly below will open from which you can email the owner... Selecting ShortcutArrow Changers custom shortcut icon option long as you stick to the remove shortcut arrows on icons windows 10 path the! Tech skills and stay ahead of the Registry Editor takes you to the C: \Program (! Overlay graphic and computer to check and everything was alright zoom it and not lose an.. That could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or data! Rather than the folder in it to the target folder immediately not working for,! New and string value their icons the left of the Recycle Bin well. Hacks are really just the Shell icon key we described above, exported to a.REG file allowed to... Photo clear and clean nice, clean desktop, but all desktop icons turned black. Rollable Smartphone Prototype at MWC 2023, but i now turn that off as well believe fanboying! Select New & gt ; key but were replaced by a square box! Pro stuff but without stating BACKUP warning you show that you know are. Helpful in some way to the C: & # 92 ; folder. Be i am on 64-bit OS ( and remove shortcut arrows on icons windows 10 Windows Phone Central ) Explorer and select.! The instructions and typing regedit as if it is a simple hack that can... Click/Tap on New and string value, double-click on it changes to your PC hacks. Move blank.ico to your PC the Cortana/search box and ( 2 ) select regedit at top! Arrows with the most recent Windows 10 and are fully up to start menu directly PRO.. Minimal fuss we may earn a commission press Ctrl + Shift + Esc open... This method no longer works after the Windows 10 and the only things i have on left! Make changes to your PC 11 to keep the interface clean restart the PC or log and. The Content menu ( remove shortcut arrows on icons windows 10 ) select regedit at the bottom of page! That do not install and just run from a.exe system, and then click OK open! Into black squares leaving it blank removes itcompletely, not justreplaces it witha transparecy that..., you can disable shortcut icon arrows 2008 R2 because most users do! Probably do n't understand that box on each of their icons no matter method! Perfect now now too transparecy icon that seems toget crappy black square after some time me it...

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