Clearly it was perceived as mean, even though it was more a jab at humor. Pssh. These methods should work in Windows 7, 8, and 10. No clear pattern with changes occuring often after rebooting, but sometimes after running applications. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. 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. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. New York, Also since the days of Windows 95 there have been third-party apps to get rid of these arrows. If you've not done any registry edits since, it should open immediately to the Shell Icons file. If you like to keep their desktop clean or only have shortcuts on the desktop, you can remove the arrow overlay from the shortcut icon. 12. You have a taskbar and a start menu. How to Add Icons to the Desktop in Windows 11, MakeUseOf MWC Awards 2023: The Best Tech in Show. I hate those arrows. Why don't you give a .reg file? ;), If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?. This doesn't break anything. Today when I powered up my laptop, the arrow thingy was replaced by a black square. To do this, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar Behaviors.". Also can't quit skype from the task bar. Click regedit and click Yes. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Open the application and scroll to the Shortcut tab from the side panel. If you are not comfortable editing the registry, you can automate things with a .reg file. Just Task manager and restart exploler.exe. However, this big box was removed with a small icon in Windows 11 to keep the interface clean. Depends. Step 4: Name the new subkey "Shell Icons". I'm actually a little surprised that people still seem to be using those icons so much, with pinned apps on the taskbar and the recently used lists from office etc, I simply never need those icons. Due to security reasons, we are not posting or linking some home-made .exe files that people have created to automate this task. I hate how when I plug in a Bitlocker-protected external drive, the W10 notification category says "Calculator". NY 10036. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Thanks. Open the start menu, search for "Registry Editor," and click the result to open the Registry Editor. That's what my library folders are for documents, music, pictures, etc. I had that initally and then it turned transparent, incuding part of the icon. Type the regedit Run command in the Open box. This process could also be used to create a custom icon overlay graphic. 7. 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. It has consistently beenone of the first things I would change on an XP (or newer) installation. This wikiHow will teach you how to remove shortcut arrows on your Windows shortcut icon by changing a few things in the Registry Editor. 2. Everything can be taken wrongly if it's through text. Still, you are touching the registry so make sure you have backed up your PC just in case if you feel uncomfortable. Peace :). 13. You also have another option, if youre so inclined. If I see the arrow I know I can toast it and not lose an app. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Since we launched in 2006, our articles have been read billions of times. Now copy and paste the value below in the Value Data fieldand hit Ok. Voila, its done. 3. So, download this zip file, open it, and extract the folder in it to the root of your C drive. However, creating a shortcut also creates an arrow overlay on the icon. 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. Cool trick. ), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun. Creating a shortcut in Windows will automatically add an arrow icon overlay over the actual shortcut icon. Wow you can do anything to Windows through the registry. The little white arrows on shortcut icons can really mess up your aesthetic. Customize your desktop screen easy. I'm glad I thought to go back and check the comments Should've checked before messing with my registry. Don't worry - just open up regedit again. Remove shortcut icons arrow in any windows 10 PC. I always here that it's dangerous I believe it but I also think you should learn how to use it. Alternatively, move the arrows ICO file into that folder after downloading it. Sleeker, more powerful, and redesigned check out the new Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and X13 Yoga. That is what the desktop should be used for not just for a pretty picture. All you have to do is download and install an application named Winaero Tweaker. 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. Windows 10 is just the most obvious version to demo on and for. Now restart the PC or log off and in again to youll see the required changes. Please update the article with this information! and that's not always a good thing, it's very dangerous to mess with the registry, I only do it for important things, and this arrows thing is not one of them, if there isn't an option in the settings, then I consider it's not meant to be. I leave them the way they are. ShortcutArrow Changer is a freeware customization app that enables users to remove the shortcut icon arrows in Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. I followed directions to the tee. Visual C++ Redistributable Runtimes AIO Repack, 9. How to remove the shortcut arrow icon? In case you do not know what I am referring to let me explain. Windows 11/10 doesnt include any built-in option with which you can disable shortcut icon arrows. 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? Download Remove the Shortcut Arrow Icon in Windows 10 & 11. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). This caused my destop icons to start showing up all black!!! What now? For now, if you want a purer desktop with less clutter, just take the five minutes and make this registry change! Name it 29. That was so easy and it definitely worked, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. How to Remove Shortcut Arrow Icon in Windows 10 & 11, Download registry file to remove arrow icon. The tiny black squares remain. First I'm hearing of that issue. From now on, you will no longer see the arrow icon overlay on the shortcut icons. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. He clearly says "make sure you have backed up your PC". don't add \system32\shell32.dll,50. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published References Read: How to Center Taskbar Icons in Windows 10. Next, youre going to create a new value inside the Shell Icons key. This is a simple hack that anyone can do, as long as you stick to the instructions. I have tried what you advise, however it just makes the wwhole icon disapear. I removed all the icons on my desktop and put some of my favorite apps on the taskbar. Windows has always been about the freedom to mess with whatever your heart desires. 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. I have this problem too. Certainly one of my annoyances as well. 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. remove desktop shortcut icons with arrows whenever l install a new application on the computer. You can restore the shortcut arrows at any time. Create a live tile or just an icon? Sometimes a black box, sometimes ticks are placed over the icons. I always do that. Open Regedit Open Run Command by pressing Windows Key + R and Type regedit.exe. I'm with you here. That's it. We select and review products independently. What the heck is a Tiny-in-One? 2) Download and merge the .reg file for the lnk item in the table in option 2 of the tutorial below. This string effectively removes the Windows. And uncheck "Keep Skype on the taskbar While i'm connected".. Please help and I will be waiting for your kind reply. The desktop is where I open and used my apps not for pining icons. I use the arrows to differentiate a shortcut from an actual file. If you have updated Windows 10 since Oct 2020, there are no ways currently to remove shortcut arrows. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Thanks. Many many thanks for the article. But hey, it works for some people. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android. The registry is one big database of configuration settings for Windows. 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. Thats all it takes! Select the Shell Icons folder, right-click on the right panel and choose the New -> String Value option. Please can anybody advice on how to fix this. This literally takes a few minutes. The black box is far worse than the shortcut arrow. i had to clean install windws 8, now i am using windows 8. Removing the shortcut icon is something people like to have a cleaner Desktop, and it's easy to do. Restart your computer. Is there a way to just link the iTunes icon rather than the folder? i used this method.but after some times my shortcut geting black in squreshape.plz give me suggestion how to solve. I still don't get why people put crap on the desktop. Enter Shell Icons in the new key's text box. Press Windows + R keys to open Run. those are the icons am talking about that l want to remove. However, I think it behooves people to learn what they can do on their own. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons\. Double click to bring up value data. Paste "%windir%\System32\shell32.dll,-50" in the Value Data field and click OK. It's like the registry has no limit to it's reach throughout the OS. i was so happy when w8 came out with the start menu. If you have updated Windows 10 since Oct 2020, there are no ways currently to remove shortcut arrows. A crack is meant to bypass security. To remove BlackBox squares from icons. Choose Yes, Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. The desktop folder will still be accessible in Explorer. Proceed with caution. Look Lenovo's way to find out. Here is how. Truth be told, it is super simple and should take no more than 5 minutes. It went blank after a day. 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". Also, there are lot of third-party software available in the internet to remove the Arrow from the Shortcuts. Is this just something left over from the Win 95/98 days that people just can't seem to adapt from? Now I have a black box in place of arrows. Yetserday I tried this and the icons on my desktop looked so good, but today they look like this. Same thing happened to me. The good news is you can move the Start Menu back to its traditional place on the left side of the screen. Double-click "[bti soft] shortcutarrow changer setup" to open the installers window. His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and for some reason, watches. Using the browser bar on the left, browser to the following path. How to Remove Shortcut Arrows from Windows Shortcuts. I was looking for how to do this. Now, if they could just fix that annoying "Unspecified Error" in Explorer.exe - I'd be extremely happy! Lol at chacka chacka. With the most recent Windows 10 update, this method no longer works and no fix has been discovered. He has covered Windows Vista, 7, 10, and 11 topics within a multitude of guides for MakeUseOf and numerous other websites. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Fortunately, theyre pretty easy to remove. Is there a reason the method you described would be preferred? Seriously I hate those arrows too no idea why :P. My number one complaint is that certain apps pinned to the taskbar clone themselves when you open them. Techwiser (2012-2023). Too bad MS dosen't have a current version of the MS Powertoy Tweak UI for W10 to expidite this process. However, some users have reported the Registry method to not work sometimes, especially on Windows 10. I've never killed a PC that way, even when first starting out. How do I fix this? 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. 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. As an added precaution, create a system restore point too. Same thing happened to me. :-). because leaving it blank removes itcompletely, not justreplaces it witha transparecy icon that seems toget crappy black square after some time. By default, the Start Menu and apps pinned to the taskbar are centered. Then Right Click on the Shell Icon folder that we made or in the empty space inside the folder. Please refresh the page and try again. 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. You should see a blank box called Value data. Steps to Remove shortcut arrows by editing the Registry manually:-. In the Value Data box, copy and paste the following: Click OK and exit Registry Editor . {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Remove-Shortcut-Arrows-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Shortcut-Arrows-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Remove-Shortcut-Arrows-Step-1.jpg\/aid11836538-v4-728px-Remove-Shortcut-Arrows-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"