remove shortcut arrows on icons windows 10remove shortcut arrows on icons windows 10

Lol jk. . Before we move ahead, its important to take a back-up of the registry. I have a desktop menu on the task bar. 2 Press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog, type regedit into Run, and click/tap on OK to open Registry Editor. But hey that's why options are a good thing right. But try deleting the value that you put in step 7 and everything should be fine. I'm guessing you're Jamaican? Then Small Windows prompted Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your PC? Not even my recycle bin I have on my desktop. Your IP: 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. There's that app WinAero shortcut editor that does the same. If you dont feel like diving into the Registry yourself, weve created some downloadable registry hacks you can use. This is not working for me, may it be I am on 64-bit OS? I was looking for how to do this. I never understand why people put icons, not to mention folders on their desktop, it makes it so ugly and chacka chacka ( untidy ). What does it do? Removing those little arrows requires a tweak to the Windows Registry, but there are a few different ways of going about it. And make win. Did anyone experience this? Now I have a black box in place of arrows. That is it. So interestingly enough, i got this to work on my desktop, but my laptops icons have the black square issue. I tried this and while the initial results were good, after a short amount of time I started getting black blocks on my desktop icons, and icons in my Start menu weren't appearing or only partially appearing - had to remove the reg key to fix it. That is what the desktop should be used for not just for a pretty picture. Generally, the arrow icon overlay on a shortcut icon helps you differentiate between a file or application and a shortcut at a glance. Anyway, OCD person's nightmare. However, some users have reported the Registry method to not work sometimes, especially on Windows 10. Most apps that rely on the registry are designed to ignore bad values or use defaults. Wouldn't have had a clue if not for you, You don't need an extra app and it doesn't take a lot of time. After installing ShorcutArrow Changer, double-click the desktop shortcut for that software. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). I absolutely hate those pesky little arrows. I mean, the whole reason for the start menu to return is habit. Command Prompt looks more impressive without the stupid arrow haha. WTF?? While it isnt the easiest way, you can edit the registry yourself without downloading or running any extra software. This doesn't break anything. Sometimes a black box, sometimes ticks are placed over the icons. Just leave that box empty. But when I tried your string for the I've heard, but have never seen for myself issue from doing this. To get this to work on my machine, I had to undo step 7. no black square after rebooting? The desktop folder will still be accessible in Explorer. (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? Hi Daniel, Thanks for amazing tip it was working great but right after 8 hour now my shortcut icon are invisible. One hack removes the arrows, one replaces them with large arrows, and one restores them to the default style. Thanks. Nice idea, though. To do this, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar Behaviors.". He writes about things he believes are actually helpful in some way to the user. That might sound a little daunting, but a pretty straightforward registry tweak is all thats needed. Daniel, #JustSaying, I got a big ugly black square now too. In Windows, icons for shortcuts have little arrows to remind you that what youre looking at is a shortcut. In Two methods we can remove the Shortcut Arrow in Windows 10. i was so happy when w8 came out with the start menu. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Without the arrow overlay, you will be hard-pressed to find the difference between an actual file and a shortcut. Solution????? If you want to undo your edits, delete the file in your Registry called "29". Right-click the Shell Icons folder icon and choose New > String Value. 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". If you are stuck in the process and need any help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible. Aside from removing the arrow overlays, you can also change them to more appealing ones by selecting ShortcutArrow Changers Custom shortcut icon option. I always knew you could edit things in the registry and have done so many times before. And recently I got one amazing method that can change the arrows on the shortcut icon in the Windows 10. Or at least put the damn arrow back into the icon. There are many ways and the easiest two ways are listed below. Peace :). When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. In fact, rows of icons just reminds me of iPhones and iPads now. Why don't you give a .reg file? It's a small detail, but a very thoughtful one. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. That being, the arrow icon over the shortcut can look ugly at times. You can change this long box to an icon or a button or completely remove the search from the taskbar. :-). 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. Now I'm on Windows 10 and the only things I have on the desktop is the Recycle Bin and GodMode. Step 2: Navigate to the following key in Windows Registry Editor. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes! Right-click on Explorer and select New> Key. To undo that change, you can delete the file called "29" from the folder you created. Some are rational, others may appear irrational to others. I removed all the icons on my desktop and put some of my favorite apps on the taskbar. Nope, can't find anywhere. 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. ;). NY 10036. Define "a lot of effort". All the fear of the registry seems kind of funny. That's it. Use ICO image file to hide the Arrow: Lol at chacka chacka. Clearly it was perceived as mean, even though it was more a jab at humor. I used to have the Recycle Bin on there, but I now turn that off as well. Here's how to get rid of them. Windows Central is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. remove the shortcut arrow with a single click; set classic (XP-like) shortcut arrow with a single click; set ANY icon as the shortcut overlay; and of course, reset the shortcut arrow to its default icon. File it for instance and skype right now. However, I think it behooves people to learn what they can do on their own. 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. Better to leave it or delete the key and wait for something that works. I found a way to do it without black box or anything crappy shell32.dll crap that doesn't work after a restart or two. Step 4: Name the new subkey "Shell Icons". A hack implies that you broke some defence/barrier that was preventing you from doing something. It's an age where options are being removed for the sake of simplicity, and that is bad in my view. Both systems have windows 10 and are fully up to date. You need to scale up or down the icons on the desktop with CTRL + mouse wheel up or down. You can leave the Shell Icons key in place. I've just used this method yesterday and it worked out fine. 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. You will receive a verification email shortly. It went blank after a day. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Icons on the desktop are like putting your cloths in the living room. Just Task manager and restart exploler.exe. Open the start menu, search for Registry Editor, and click the result to open the Registry Editor. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'windowsloop_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-windowsloop_com-banner-1-0');3. This is very helpful to restore the registry to the original state. How do I fix this? Very strange, especially because both systems have near identical settings. I hate those arrows. Please refresh the page and try again. 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. Answer yes When prompted Do you want to. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. In the Value Data box, copy and paste the following: Click OK and exit Registry Editor . 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. Drag Modern apps from the app list to the desktop for a surprise. I never cared about arrows, but I might do this :), I keep my desktop empty except recycle bin. Remove Shortcut Arrow Overlay on Windows 10 1. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, In the right pane of Shell Icons, right click on an empty area, and click/tap on New and String Value. The desktop is where I open and used my apps not for pining icons. FYI, you'll have to restart the computer after making the change, as this setting is in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE registry hive. 2) Download and merge the .reg file for the lnk item in the table in option 2 of the tutorial below. I appreciate you sharing. We had no complaints, actually. I have Win10 Pro, ver2004, Build 19041.572. If you want to see the changes right away choose Restart Explorer. 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? Today when I powered up my laptop, the arrow thingy was replaced by a black square. I use the arrows to differentiate a shortcut from an actual file. Anytime you create a shortcut, it will automatically have an arrow icon overlay. Alternatively, move the arrows ICO file into that folder after downloading it. before making changes. If you ever change your mind, open the Registry Editor, go to the below location and delete the 29 value. This did absolutely nothingto get rid ofmy shortcut arrows. Now there's just the name and no icon on my desktop. You can remove shortcut icon arrows by adding a new Shell Icons key to the registry. Next, extract the remove_shortcut_arrow_icon.reg file. Now, youre going to modify that value. Keeps it nice and clean. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Double click/tap on the 29 String Value to modify it. The concept and implementation works for me. 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. To hide Skype from the TaskBar, you have to go under Tools->Settings->Advanced. One of the biggest changes in Windows 11 is the placement of the Start Menu on the taskbar. 7. 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. Remove the Shortcut Arrow Icon in Windows 10 & 11 contains the registry files and a blank.ico to remove or restore the shortcut arrow from your icons. 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. Select the Shortcut arrow and choose No Arrow. I hate desktop icons so much that I just remove them completely. . 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? Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published References If theres not, youll need to create it by right-clicking the Explorer folder icon, choosing New > Key, and naming it Shell Icons. 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. However, creating a shortcut also creates an arrow overlay on the icon. Control Panel (or Settings) -> type "icons desktop" in the search box -> click/tap Show or hide command icons on the desktop. Haha. When you are . The program was called Easy Content Menu (v1.6 from 2015) I ran the program to adjust some of my Content Menu settings, then discovered that in the menu under Extras I could select Remove Shortcut Arrows. That's what my library folders are for documents, music, pictures, etc. Steps to Remove shortcut arrows by editing the Registry manually:-. The taskbar is always visible, the desktop isn't. If you want a dumb-system all locked down, go to OSX. So, right-click on the Explorer folder and select the New -> Key option. Using the Registry It's the easiest way to get rid of the arrow overlay. Anyway to eacht their own. Techwiser (2012-2023). Navigate Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer 3. Restart your computer. 4. Theyre huge and kind of ugly, but there would be no mistaking which icons were shortcuts. To do so, reopen the Registry Editor, right-click the 29 string for the Shell Icons key, and select the Delete option. Thank you. Just download it, run it, and start tweaking. Same thing happened to me. So, here were was how to remove the arrow shortcut overlay on Windows. Look Lenovo's way to find out. 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. Had shortcuts everywhere (in an organized way, mind you). First, we need a blank icon. Running the hack adds the key to the Registry. Click the Key option on the submenu. Open the application and scroll to the Shortcut tab from the side panel. In the right pane of the Shell Icons key, right-click on any empty area, and select New > String Value. You can also do it manually through the Task Manager. This is an irrational one to me. Please can anybody advice on how to fix this. I hate how when I plug in a Bitlocker-protected external drive, the W10 notification category says "Calculator". At least you can now uninstall from the new Start Menu directly. There must be a way to achieve this within Windows without having to resort to using non-microsoft software. 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. He has more than 30 years of experience in the computer industry and over. Download 'Remove Shortcut Arrow in Windows 10 & 11.' Extract the four files including Shortcut Arrow Icon - Remove.reg, Shortcut Arrow Icon - Restore.reg [.i], and blank.ico. Is this just something left over from the Win 95/98 days that people just can't seem to adapt from? How to Remove Shortcut Arrow Icon in Windows 10 & 11, Download registry file to remove arrow icon. % of people told us that this article helped them. Its pretty easy to do. Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen, or press Win.2-Type reged. You also have another option, if youre so inclined. there is no icon so nothing wrong with it like with the way shown on the article. Just follow the steps directly below for editing the registry exactly as specified. Seems silly to me to install an app for something that takes < 5 minutes and for which you will likely never use again. The button will now be named "Restore Shortcut Arrows To Shortcut Icons." That's all it takes! If you ever want to revert, simply delete the 29 value you created in Step 6, and you are good to go. The good news is you can move the Start Menu back to its traditional place on the left side of the screen. It is that simple to remove shortcut arrow overlay from shortcut icons. 1. I've just simply after a system reboot, I met no arrows, BUT all desktop icons turned into black squares! Had to reverse this. 10. As you type, you'll see search results populate. A hack is way around the intended process of the program. I just never knew you could change something so miniscule as the arrow on an icon. Honestly, it's not any work either, I just put a lot of detail so no one makes a mistake ;). To remove arrows from shortcut icons with Ultimate Windows Tweaker, choose the Customization section on the left, click the File Explorer tab, and then click "Remove Shortcut Arrows From Shortcut Icons." To put them back, follow the same process. Click Continue when prompted. In the Value data box enter C:\Windows\system32\BlankIcon.ico or the path where you saved your Blank Icon. Copy or move blank.ico to your C:\Windows folder. If you have updated Windows 10 since Oct 2020, there are no ways currently to remove shortcut arrows. Also read How to Fix Boot Manager Is Missing in Windows 10. Major Geeks for more than your General Needs. The arrows are the for unwashed masses. Removing the shortcut icon is something people like to have a cleaner Desktop, and it's easy to do. The All Apps list looks messy with folders for programs. Just double-click the one you want to use, click through the prompts, and then restart your computer (or log off and back on). 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. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Icons 29 REG_SZ Fortunately, theyre pretty easy to remove. And does anyone know how to fix it? Press Enter. Too bad MS dosen't have a current version of the MS Powertoy Tweak UI for W10 to expidite this process. How to remove shortcut arrows in Windows 10 1. This string effectively removes the Windows. Is this a problem with resources? Research says that the "fix" may not work in newer versions of Win10. Although I like to keep docs/images or things I'm working on on the desktop, so even I'm guilty of it too. 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, lets see how to remove the shortcut arrow overlay on Windows. I do that in a roundabout way install CCleaner and pin that to your taskbar. Some users might prefer to remove those arrows from desktop shortcut icons. after I've done this process the shortcut arrows became a black block after restarting the second time. You can also get more arrow overlays for shortcut icons from the IconArchive website. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a11d38e9f2dcab5 Double click/tap on the 29 String Value to modify it. -- jim. don't add \system32\shell32.dll,50. Copy & paste the below path in the Value Data field and click on the Ok button. 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