remove shortcut arrows on icons windows 10

I've just simply after a system reboot, I met no arrows, BUT all desktop icons turned into black squares! Rare footage of Blazblue actually getting a shoutout =) With the most recent Windows 10 update, this method no longer works and no fix has been discovered. Very strange, especially because both systems have near identical settings. Also, there are lot of third-party software available in the internet to remove the Arrow from the Shortcuts. He has covered Windows Vista, 7, 10, and 11 topics within a multitude of guides for MakeUseOf and numerous other websites. Does it creates any problem? I've heard, but have never seen for myself issue from doing this. Finally, confirm with "OK" and . If theres not, youll need to create it by right-clicking the Explorer folder icon, choosing New > Key, and naming it Shell Icons. It seems like your suggestion doesn't works on Windows 10 (no mutter 32 or 64 bit). Name it 29 . Both ways will work fluently. 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! Go one step further and don't have desktop icons at all! This is not working for me, may it be I am on 64-bit OS? Theyre huge and kind of ugly, but there would be no mistaking which icons were shortcuts. 3. They can be completley hidden from the desktop's context menu. 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. A hack implies that you broke some defence/barrier that was preventing you from doing something. 2. Its pretty easy to do. Drag Modern apps from the app list to the desktop for a surprise. 1) Delete the 29 string value in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons key. FYI, you'll have to restart the computer after making the change, as this setting is in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE registry hive. I'd love to be able to put the Recycle Bin on the Task Bar instead, but I haven't figured out a way to do that. So, to go back, I just need to delete that reg key? before making changes. RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT DO THIS REGISTRY CHANGE. Wow you can do anything to Windows through the registry. Please help and I will be waiting for your kind reply. Now I'm on Windows 10 and the only things I have on the desktop is the Recycle Bin and GodMode. Define "a lot of effort". I think doing a system backup is more effort. I'm leaving my work incomplete! No boxes, no arrows. Generally, the arrow icon overlay on a shortcut icon helps you differentiate between a file or application and a shortcut at a glance. Now, if they could just fix that annoying "Unspecified Error" in Explorer.exe - I'd be extremely happy! If you want to bringthe arrows back, just delete the 29 value you created. Didn't read the article properly! So, download this zip file, open it, and extract the folder in it to the root of your C drive. This easy step by step guide shows you how to get rid of them! Everything can be taken wrongly if it's through text. To get this to work on my machine, I had to undo step 7. Peace :), Aaaaaaaaand completely ignore that, won't let me delete the comment. 2 Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog, type regedit into Run, and click/tap on OK to open Registry Editor. Click to reveal Before editing the registry, make a registry backup. It worked - briefly. Select an arrow to download from there, and click the ICO button. Click the small right-pointing arrow icon next to "Windows." 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". Restart. Read also: How to Add Icons to the Desktop in Windows 11. Control Panel (or Settings) -> type "icons desktop" in the search box -> click/tap Show or hide command icons on the desktop. It went blank after a day. Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen, or press Win.2-Type reged. Remove shortcut icons arrow in any windows 10 PC. I want a clean desktop so i can see the background photo clear and clean. In fact, rows of icons just reminds me of iPhones and iPads now. I'm glad I thought to go back and check the comments Should've checked before messing with my registry. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Some users might prefer to remove those arrows from desktop shortcut icons. (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 still don't get why people put crap on the desktop. 7. Also since the days of Windows 95 there have been third-party apps to get rid of these arrows. 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". 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. To remove BlackBox squares from icons. This literally takes a few minutes. If you are not comfortable editing the registry, you can automate things with a .reg file. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons 29 REG_SZ There are many ways and the easiest two ways are listed below. 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. Click the Start Menu icon and search "Regedit" in the search bar. I just explained it in detail for those new to the registry. The backup helps you restore the system if anything terrible happens. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Steps to Remove shortcut arrows by editing the Registry manually:-. Idon't mind using registry sinceI use Regmagik which is really good. Incorrect. 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. How to remove the shortcut arrow icon? 209.236.71.63 But was one of the best ways to force my dad to let me clean install 7(his previous install was full of registry problems he created trying to move software to other drives , not uninstalling properly) for the w10 upgrade, Don't need to log out. don't add \system32\shell32.dll,50. Windows 10 is just the most obvious version to demo on and for. But try deleting the value that you put in step 7 and everything should be fine. In Windows, icons for shortcuts have little arrows to remind you that what youre looking at is a shortcut. 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). Using the Registry It's the easiest way to get rid of the arrow overlay. Please signup for the WindowsLoop newsletter by clicking the following link: WindowsLoop Newsletter Signup. Yea,actually this tweak is not like in other builds of Win7 and Xp. Visual C++ Redistributable Runtimes AIO Repack, 9. Or at least put the damn arrow back into the icon. Some are rational, others may appear irrational to others. Donot define the string value. after I've done this process the shortcut arrows became a black block after restarting the second time. I never cared about arrows, but I might do this :), I keep my desktop empty except recycle bin. The desktop is for housing running applications. Click the small right-pointing arrow icon next to "CurrentVersion." Did anyone experience this? If you've not done any registry edits since, it should open immediately to the Shell Icons file. That might sound a little daunting, but a pretty straightforward registry tweak is all thats needed. I just did this on Windows server 2008 R2. Double-click the 29 entry to modify it. If you ever change your mind, open the Registry Editor, go to the below location and delete the 29 value. Nevermind, I found a great reason for not using this method anymore. 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. Join 425,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. Step 1: Press Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog box. In case you do not know what I am referring to let me explain. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Just leave that box empty. If youve never worked with it before, consider reading about how to use the Registry Editor before you get started. Use Winaero Tweaker instead if thats the case. Extract the four files including Shortcut Arrow Icon - Remove.reg, Shortcut Arrow Icon - Restore.reg, and blank.ico. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. with no value data. Vaibhav is a broadcast journalist with a keen interest in tech. Step 7: Then double click on the key 29. Read also: What Is the Windows Registry and How Do I Edit It? Someone who sees his desktop regularly and hates the little arrows would obviously be making a different calculation. Now copy and paste the value below in the Value Data fieldand hit Ok. Voila, its done. I wish I could keep my desktop clean. For Windows 8, youll need UWT 3. U can delete the key to go back. Even though the arrows are smaller than in some previous versions of Windows, they arent terribly attractive. If not, then create a new one by Right-click on the Explorer folder, click New and tap on Key. Double click/tap on the 29 String Value to modify it. Copy & paste the below path in the Value Data field and click on the Ok button. Navigate Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer 3. Click regedit and click Yes. To do the same in older versions of Windows, load up Task Manager, find "explorer.exe," select "End Process," and then restart it manually by choosing Create New Task, typing "explorer" and striking return. And make win. Press Enter. Here is how. Go back to the shell icons 29 that you just made. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published References Nope, can't find anywhere. 9. Click on the Yes/Ok button to continue if you see a prompt. I have tried what you advise, however it just makes the wwhole icon disapear. i'm sure he must have received complaints thats why this time it is there now. This is not a solution, since it introduces apparent randomness into the display of desktop icons. Yetserday I tried this and the icons on my desktop looked so good, but today they look like this. I do that in a roundabout way install CCleaner and pin that to your taskbar. >>>>\System32\shell32.dll,-50 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. In the Value data box enter C:\Windows\system32\BlankIcon.ico or the path where you saved your Blank Icon. Had shortcuts everywhere (in an organized way, mind you). I'd say it's because most users probably don't understand that. Also read How to Fix Boot Manager Is Missing in Windows 10. Any help would be appreciated. Major Geeks for more than your General Needs. Now I have a black box in place of arrows. If you want to undo your edits, delete the file in your Registry called "29". It worked fine for me on Windows 7-64 and Windows 10-64. Open the application and scroll to the Shortcut tab from the side panel. No, works on any version of Windows. Answer yes When prompted Do you want to. I always hated them, never thought there was something I could do about them. This method is here for people who have not updated yet. We had no complaints, actually. Select the Shortcut arrow and choose No Arrow. 10. CCleaner seems to be having troubles with Edge. Press Enter Select the new Key in the Left Pane In the right pane right click on an empty area, and click/tap on New and String Value. I appreciate you sharing. From now on, you will no longer see the arrow icon overlay on the shortcut icons. When you select that option, the Icons folder shown directly below will open from which you can select different arrows for the icon. To do so right-click the Explorer key in the left pane, then select New > Key and name it Shell Icons. File it for instance and skype right now. After installing ShorcutArrow Changer, double-click the desktop shortcut for that software. 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. Same thing happened to me. Depends. Just to update, the solution with the folder AVG only works if you have AVG on your computer. Thanks Daniel. Do you have something easier? You can show/hide the assorted system icons on the desktop from the Control Panel. He writes about things he believes are actually helpful in some way to the user. 5. 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. Look Lenovo's way to find out. Steps of How To Remove Shortcut Arrows In Windows 10 Without Software 1. 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The All Apps list looks messy with folders for programs. Wellsince YOU are the one creating the shortcuts, one would expect that YOU know they are such. Thanks. Press Windows + R keys to open Run. . All three are included in the following ZIP file. Nice idea, though. You can also get more arrow overlays for shortcut icons from the IconArchive website. After the restart, youll notice the shortcut icons on your desktop dont have arrows on them. I tried it and changes the shortcut Icon and that gives a new look on my desktop. 8. Way 1: Type r egedit in the Cortana's search bar and then click the result. Remove Shortcut Arrow Overlay on Windows 10 1. The tiny black squares remain. Pssh. You can change this long box to an icon or a button or completely remove the search from the taskbar. Just sign out and sign back in. And recently I got one amazing method that can change the arrows on the shortcut icon in the Windows 10. To remove the shortcut arrow icon overlay, we need to edit the registry. Darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles, and working hands-on in the technology field. 6. You might already have a subkey named Shell Icons. i did this. Still, you are touching the registry so make sure you have backed up your PC just in case if you feel uncomfortable. If you want to undo your edits, delete the file in your Registry called "29". Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. I can't post a picture here Any solution to that? If Microsoft didn't want people to be able to do these things, they wouldn't make registry so easily accessible. This trick should work in every Windows version starting from Windows XP. Youre always taking a small risk when you use system tweaking tools like this. With the most recent Windows 10 update, this code does not work and will instead create transparent, black, or white boxes instead of arrows over the shortcut. Click Continue when prompted. Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Proceed with caution. Creating a shortcut in Windows will automatically add an arrow icon overlay over the actual shortcut icon. Icons on the desktop are like putting your cloths in the living room. Cool trick. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. :) I don't use the desktop anymore for app shortcuts. Name it 29. Manage Settings You should see a blank box called Value data. Windows 11/10 doesnt include any built-in option with which you can disable shortcut icon arrows. Using the browser bar on the left, browser to the following path. thx, This stumped me for a while, go to step 4 and simply delete the 29 file leaving the default one. Open the start menu, search for Registry Editor, and click the result to open the Registry Editor. It worked for me. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Right click on the Windows 10 Start Menu goes away. Then you can select to add your downloaded arrow to shortcut icons with ShortcutArrow Changer. omg thank you , really needed this . That's why Windows actually warns you that simply deleting a shortcut won't delete the program. All you must do is make a few registry changes, and you are good to go. Hover your mouse over New and click Key and name it "Shell Icons." By default, the Start Menu and apps pinned to the taskbar are centered. So untidy :(. It feels like storing stuff you use a lot under your bed instead of on your desk or shelf or cabinet. First I'm hearing of that issue. Name the new file "29" then double-click it. 4. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. I want to be able to tell if they are shortcuts or files on my desktop by glancing through them. I don't treat my desktop as if it is a folder to store things. Had to reverse this. Right-click the Shell Icons folder icon and choose New > String Value. Step 4: Name the new subkey "Shell Icons". Open up regedit (1) Type in regedit into the Cortana/search box and (2) select regedit at the top 2. I clean it off once a week or so but I work on so many projects that I just start slapping files on the desktop left and right. The registry tree you provided it's true. You can either shrink the arrow size for the arrow shortcuts or remove them altogether from your icons. In the Registry Editor, use the left sidebarto navigate to the following key: Look through the Explorer key and see iftheres a subkey named Shell Icons. Looking for a way to fix it. How to Remove Shortcut Arrow Icon in Windows 10 & 11, Download registry file to remove arrow icon. 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. 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. To undo that change, you can delete the file called "29" from the folder you created. Step 1: Open Registry Editor on Windows. and is everything ok on your side? After sucessful registry no shortcut lnk but blank black boxes in that places after sometimeSo everytime i had to restart explorer.exe. I downloaded an old program I had used in Windows 7 that allowed me to control the Content Menu. Cheers anyway (-: Lenovo's Surface-like IdeaPad Duet 3i packs the Intel N-series CPU but you won't find it in the US, Lenovo's new ThinkPad Z13 features a woven Flax cover made from plant fibers, Lenovo ditches old haptic touchpad tech for Sensels FusionUX stack heres why its a big deal. This is how you can disable shortcut icon arrows with ShortcutArrow Changer. 11. Right click program, select open file location, copy shortcut, paste it one up to start menu, delete previous folder. I don't have anything on my desktop except the recycle bin. I don't like the arrows either. Tap Yes, when prompted Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your PC? He's also written hundreds of white papers, articles, user manuals, and courseware over the years. Game-Changing AI for the DIY Industry: GPT-4 Is Coming, The 8 Most Accurate AI Text Detectors You Can Try, Right-click a space within the right pane to select. I have Win10 Pro, ver2004, Build 19041.572. Use ICO image file to hide the Arrow: Truth be told, it is super simple and should take no more than 5 minutes. Time to use this technique to remedy that! Since we launched in 2006, our articles have been read billions of times. Next, select the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer within the Registry Editor's left navigation pane. You have a taskbar and a start menu. Life is good again, Hi Emi, Click the small right-pointing arrow icon next to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE." I removed all the icons on my desktop and put some of my favorite apps on the taskbar. Please can anybody advice on how to fix this. NY 10036. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes! OP should revise his post so that people stop running into this problem. Hey Rubi Rubino. In the "Value Data" box, enter the following text: %windir%System32shell32.dll,-50 Click OK to save the change and close the "Edit String" window. You can replace the regular arrows with the super large, Vista-style arrows. Open Start Menu and search for Registry Editor Tap Yes, when prompted " Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your PC? Its the easiest way to get rid of the arrow overlay. Yay! Choose one of the four options from the list and click Apply. Do not do this if you have updated to Windows 10 20H2 which was released in Oct 2020. Give it a name that suits you or add the current date and save. There was a problem. {"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":"